Start Campus and CBRE have been named finalists for the DCD>Awards European Data Center Project of the Year for their collaborative effort on the CBRE & Start Campus High-Density Deployment project. Located in Sines, Portugal, the project underscores innovation and sustainability, redefining high-density data center design.

Project Highlights
Originally designed for low-density deployments, the SINES DC facility required a significant redesign to support 6.8MW of high-density racks in a single data hall. This pivot was driven by rising customer demand and the emergence of AI-driven workloads, emphasizing speed to market without compromising efficiency or sustainability.

The redesigned infrastructure included advanced liquid cooling systems, replacing the initial fan-cooled design. Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) and Rear Door Coolers were integrated, while electrical infrastructure was completely overhauled with additional Power Strings to accommodate the increased load.

To maintain Start Campus’ commitment to sustainability, the seawater cooling system remained a central feature, ensuring a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.1 and a Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.0—benchmarking industry-leading efficiency.

Key Milestones
The project timeline showcased the seamless collaboration between CBRE and Start Campus. Between March and August 2024, the team:

  • Conducted site surveys and 3D scans to refine designs.
  • Coordinated space planning and mechanical/electrical integrations.
  • Completed two 3.4MW high-density phases, overcoming challenges such as seismic safety requirements and spatial constraints.

Impact and Innovation
This project highlights the potential for high-density deployments in spaces originally designed for low-density use. CBRE introduced a unique support system built from the ground up to house mechanical, electrical, and ICT services, ensuring minimal impact on circulation areas and future scalability.

The SINES DC campus positions Portugal as a global connectivity leader, offering 1.2 GW of IT capacity by 2030. It contributes to the local economy by creating over 9,000 jobs and fostering sustainable growth through advanced technologies and eco-friendly practices. This project’s innovative design and strategic foresight establish a new standard for high-density, sustainable data centers.

To view all of the shorlisted award contenders for the 2024 DCD Awards, click here.

For more information on Start Campus and the SINES DC project, visit www.startcampus.pt.