Start Campus has officially inaugurated its SIN01 data center facility in Sines, Portugal, marking a significant milestone in the development of Europe’s largest gigascale Cloud, AI, and HPC-ready campus. This facility, boasting a capacity of 26MW, is the first operational building of the ambitious SINES DC campus, which will eventually encompass six buildings with a total capacity of 1.2GW. 

Located on Portugal’s southwest coast, SIN01 is now the largest data center ever built and operated in the country, nearly doubling Portugal’s existing data center capacity and firmly establishing the nation as a central hub for the global data economy. The inauguration ceremony, which took place on April 4, 2025, brought together prominent figures from the Portuguese Government, international stakeholders, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy. Their presence underscored the project’s importance as one of Europe’s largest private investments in digital infrastructure.

Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus, emphasized the company’s ambitions for the future of the industry: “Today, Sines becomes home to the country’s largest operational data center building – and it’s just the beginning. SIN01 is the first chapter in Europe’s leading gigascale Cloud, AI and HPC data campus – built for the future, powered by renewables, and designed to scale.”

Sustainability at the Core

SIN01 exemplifies Start Campus’ commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. The facility’s achievements in sustainability include: 

  • An industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.1
  • A Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0 thanks to its cutting-edge seawater cooling technology
  • A goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030
  • 100% renewable energy, with secured access to the grid for the full campus

This environmental focus not only minimizes the SINES DC’s carbon footprint but also enhances efficiency, setting new benchmarks for large-scale digital infrastructure projects.

Future Expansion Plans and Economic Impact

With SIN01 now operational, Start Campus is already planning its next phase, with construction of SIN02, a 180MW facility, slated to begin later this year. This expansion reflects Start Campus’ vision for scalable growth and its commitment to meeting the increasing demands of AI-driven applications and hyperscale cloud services.

Beyond technological advancements, the SINES DC project is expected to drive significant economic growth in the area. Over two million labor hours have been invested in the construction on SIN01, with participation from thousands of professionals and local suppliers. The full campus build-out will continue to create jobs and attract talent while fostering regional development.

“From day one, this project has been about collaboration – with customers, the community and the industry,” stated Dunn when speaking about the project’s regional impact. “Our state-of-the art facilities will strengthen the digital ecosystem, create new opportunities, attract talent, and provide a solid foundation for economic growth.”

The inauguration of SIN01 marks a transformative moment for Portugal’s digital economy. With its focus on renewable energy, cutting-edge technology, strategic connectivity, and local involvement, Start Campus is not only shaping the future of data centers but also driving economic growth and sustainability standards on an unprecedented scale. This announcement and the company’s future plans strengthen Portugal’s role as a key player in Europe’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape.