#Italy #Trento #AI Data Centers #ALPS #Brian Turnbow

ALPS Appoints Brian Turnbow as Technical Director for AI

ALPS, an Italian company founded in 2018, has made a significant move by appointing Brian Turnbow as the Technical Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This appointment aims to spearhead the company’s efforts in the development of next-generation AI data centers while exploring sustainable energy solutions associated with high-performance computing (HPC).

Founded in Trentino, ALPS has carved out a niche in the design, construction, and operation of data centers that integrate energy systems with a particular emphasis on AI and HPC. With operations extending across four continents, the company's global presence is set to further expand, thanks to Turnbow's expertise.

Challenges in Energy Access

One of the critical challenges in developing AI infrastructures is energy access. Recent statistics from Terna indicate that, as of August 31, 2026, there are more than 100 GW of connection requests for data centers in Italy. This reflects a sharp increase from around 30 GW at the end of 2024. Such demand emphasizes the need for careful site selection and timely connection to the grid—crucial factors for the expansion of AI capabilities.

ALPS’s strategy focuses on connecting computing power with energy availability. The company's approach involves establishing data centers in regions where energy resources are already abundant, even if they are located outside conventional business hubs. This not only minimizes dependence on congested grid areas but also optimizes operational efficiency.

Moreover, ALPS is dedicated to integrating renewable energy sources and repurposing abandoned industrial sites. This involves utilizing existing connections, buildings, and assets whenever technically feasible, in an effort to build a more sustainable computing infrastructure. The idea is to leverage local resources, minimize land use, and forestall the need for new constructions.

Turnbow's Strategic Role

In his new role, Turnbow will oversee ALPS’s technical strategy regarding AI and HPC. His responsibilities encompass evaluating architectures, site selection, and collaboration with technological partners within the industry. Italy is identified as a priority market, where ALPS plans to apply its international expertise and work closely with local engineering and industrial firms, benefiting from their overseas project experience.

Francesco Buffa, CEO and co-founder of ALPS, commented, “Italy and Europe have energy resources, industrial assets, and technical expertise that we can leverage. Through our approach of converting energy into computing power, we aim to turn the energy and industrial potential of the regions we operate in into a competitive advantage, helping to narrow the gap in AI capabilities within Europe.”

Turnbow brings over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, having held technical roles at TWT, Unidata, and CDLAN. He is also a member of the board of ITNOG.

Turnbow stated, “AI infrastructure begins much before the deployment of GPUs. Every project must start with the workloads it needs to support and with client requirements—not solely with available power. My aim is to translate these needs into coherent design decisions, creating flexible, scalable, and sustainable computing capabilities while utilizing renewable energy sources and existing assets.”

About ALPS

ALPS specializes in designing, building, and operating data centers aimed at high-energy and computing applications. The company combines its energy expertise with data center engineering and operations. Its international growth has been supported by Azimut, which facilitated a €40 million operation in 2023 and a syndicated operation of €105 million in 2024.

For more information about ALPS and their initiatives, visit www.alps.it.