May 18, 2026 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
The mayor of Trino in northern Italy has revealed plans to develop what could become Europe’s largest data center at the former Enel Galileo Ferraris power plant, according to Rai’s regional news outlet. TGR Piedmont reported that Mayor Daniele Pane said local authorities are resolving the remaining issues surrounding the €4 billion ($4.65 billion) project, which is expected to bring regional benefits, including around 300 jobs.
Pane’s announcement relates to a proposal submitted to the municipality by an international company seeking to redevelop the former power plant, which was shut down in 2013. Enel already operates a large solar park next to the former thermoelectric facility across a 130-hectare site. The Trino facility also includes a lithium-ion battery storage system with 25MW of capacity and 100MWh of storage. According to the energy company, it is the largest solar power plant in northern Italy.
According to local digital news outlet Giornale La Voce, the project would convert the site into a major digital infrastructure hub focused on data management, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced IT services. Italian data center developer and contractor Techbau is reportedly leading the initiative and is expected to acquire the site, while the adjacent photovoltaic park would remain under the ownership of Enel Green Power. Northern Italy particularly the Milan region has become the country’s main digital infrastructure hub and one of Europe’s fastest-growing data center markets, thanks to its strategic position connecting Europe with Africa and the Middle East through low-latency networks.
