Vantage Data Centers Expands in Italy with Sustainable Milan Campus, Boosting Digital Infrastructure Growth
Vantage Data Centers, a global leader in hyperscale data center campuses, has announced the expansion of its Italian operations with the development of a second state-of-the-art campus in Milan. The MXP2 campus, located in Castelletto just 15 kilometers (less than 10 miles) from central Milan, represents a significant investment of over €350 million (approximately $407 million USD) and is designed to meet the surging demand for high-performance, scalable digital infrastructure in the region. This strategic move underscores Vantage’s commitment to supporting Europe’s digital transformation while prioritizing sustainability and innovation.
A Strategic Expansion in Milan
Milan, one of Europe’s most dynamic digital hubs, offers an ideal location for hyperscale growth due to its extensive fiber network and proximity to major terrestrial backbones connecting key European cities such as Zurich, Frankfurt, and Munich. These advantages provide low-latency connectivity, making the region a magnet for global technology companies seeking reliable and efficient data center solutions.
“Expanding our Italian footprint in Greater Milan marks a strategic move for Vantage,” said David Howson, President of EMEA at Vantage Data Centers. “Milan’s robust digital ecosystem and competitive market dynamics make it an ideal location for global hyperscale growth, and our investment in MXP2 underscores Vantage’s commitment to delivering world-class, sustainable data center solutions in this key market to enable cloud and AI technologies.”
The new MXP2 campus will feature two cutting-edge data centers, delivering a combined 32MW of critical IT capacity across approximately 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet) of space. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by spring 2026, further solidifying Vantage’s leadership in the European data center market.
This expansion builds on the success of Vantage’s initial investment in Milan through its MXP1 campus, which laid the foundation for the company’s continued growth in the region. Together, MXP1 and MXP2 will bring Vantage’s total IT capacity in Italy to 96MW, cementing its position as a key player in supporting the digital infrastructure needs of leading technology companies.
Recognition as a National Strategic Investment
Vantage’s campus developments have been recognized by the Italian government as national strategic infrastructure investments under Article 13 of Decree Law 104/2023. This recognition highlights the importance of Vantage’s contributions to Italy’s economic agenda, including fostering digital transformation, stimulating innovation, and supporting the country’s energy transition and digital resilience strategy.
Through this program, Vantage plans to invest approximately €4 billion (approximately $4.6 billion USD) and create significant economic opportunities over the next eight years. During construction, the projects are expected to employ an estimated 4,000 workers, while also generating around 250 permanent jobs upon completion.
As stated by the Italian Council of Ministers on October 2, Vantage’s investments are “considered to be in the public interest as they aim to harness the potential of digital technologies, stimulate innovation and support economic growth in Europe; strengthen the country’s role in the European energy transition and digital resilience strategy; offer new skilled job opportunities and attract investment in research and development; promote innovative long-term projects capable of generating a lasting impact in the regions where they operate; improve essential infrastructure such as transport networks, energy networks and advanced connectivity services.”
Alfonso Romano, Vice President of Site Selection and Acquisition for EMEA at Vantage Data Centers, expressed his appreciation for the recognition: “Vantage appreciates the recognition from the Italian government to be part of the growth engine powering the next generation of technology in my country. Our investments not only enable digital transformation but also positively contribute to a growing economy, job creation, innovation, and sustainable opportunities for local communities.”
Sustainability at the Core of MXP2
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Vantage’s design philosophy, and the MXP2 campus exemplifies this commitment. The facility integrates seven types of nature-based solutions (NbS) aimed at managing stormwater sustainably and enhancing the local ecosystem. These include:
- Permeable surfaces to reduce runoff and promote groundwater recharge.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems to manage water flow effectively.
- Vertical greenery and rain gardens to improve air quality and biodiversity.
- Infiltration basins and landscape integration to harmonize with the natural environment.
- A multi-species mitigation strip featuring a variety of trees and flowering rustic meadows, which supports phytoremediation and enhances biodiversity.
These measures not only minimize environmental impact but also contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the surrounding area. By integrating these sustainable practices, Vantage ensures that its data centers align with global efforts to combat climate change and promote ecological balance.
Supporting Italy’s Digital Future
The addition of MXP2 reinforces Vantage’s role as a catalyst for Italy’s digital transformation. With a total of 96MW of IT capacity across its Italian campuses, Vantage is well-positioned to support the growing demands of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other transformative technologies. The company’s investments not only enhance Italy’s digital infrastructure but also create lasting value for local communities through job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.
By leveraging Milan’s strategic advantages and committing to environmentally responsible practices, Vantage is setting a new standard for data center development in Europe. The company’s continued expansion reflects its dedication to empowering businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
About Vantage Data Centers
Vantage Data Centers is a global leader in digital infrastructure serving the world’s most influential AI and cloud providers. With operations spanning North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage delivers capacity at unrivaled speed and scale, driven by a relentless commitment to operational excellence and customer success. Vantage is empowering transformative companies to shape the future.
For more information about Vantage Data Centers, visit http://www.vantage-dc.com.
