National Plan defines strategy to attract more data centres
The Government has presented the National Data Centre Plan (PNCD), a strategic instrument aimed at positioning Portugal as a European centre for computational capacity, in a context of strong global growth in demand for digital infrastructure. With growth rates estimated at around 41% per year in Portugal, the Government considers that the sector has significant potential to attract investment, which could reach up to eight billion euros for each additional gigawatt of installed capacity.
Structured around four pillars – regulation and governance, energy and infrastructure, demand and market, and territory and ecosystem – the plan focuses on simplifying licensing processes, strengthening energy capacity and creating pre-developed zones, as well as consolidating Portugal as a competitive destination for international investment in data centres.
The strategy also reinforces the role of AICEP – Portuguese Trade & Investment Agencyas a single point of contact for investors, promoting greater efficiency and predictability in processes. It is aligned with the priorities of the National Digital Strategy and the National Artificial Intelligence Agenda, which recognise the importance of computational capacity for economic competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
Within this framework, the ZILS – Sines Industrial and Logistics Zone, where StartCampus is developing its data centre, stands out as a strategic and preferred digital hub, offering unique conditions for the deployment of these critical infrastructures. The landing of telecommunications cables, the availability of renewable energy and grid capacity, as well as the ability of this industrial area to accommodate large-scale projects, position ZILS as a relevant player in attracting foreign investment, contributing to Portugal’s standing in the global digital economy.
Read the Council of Ministers Resolution HERE (in Portuguese)
