The construction of new data centers (data centers) in Attica is being launched by Digital Realty Hellas, as Lamda Hellix was renamed, which was acquired in November 2020 by the American company of the same name. The company has acquired a new site near the Athens campus in Koropi, where the rest of its data centers are located. Over time, data centers with a total capacity of 15 MW will be built there to meet the increased demand that led to the retirement of a significant part of the capacities of Athens 3 and Athens 4. Recall that the First phase of Athens 3 was completed a few days ago, while the company recently received building permit for Athens 4, which is expected to be completed in 2024. centers with a total capacity of 37.6 MW, including four data centers in Attica (16.1 MW) and another in Heraklion (Heraklion 1) with a capacity of 6.5 MW, due for completion in 2025.

“With this latest development, a personal strategic plan and vision for years has been completed: to succeed in placing Greece on the global digital map, acquire digital weight and thereby significantly increase its competitiveness and added value. I am especially proud that Digital Realty has already become the largest data center provider in South East Europe with three data centers in operation and at least three under development. As a result, through its investments, it creates a total economic value added for Greece and its economy that exceeds 4 billion euros, while at the same time doubling its human resources in the next few years,” said President and CEO of Digital Realty Hellas. Apostolos Kakkos.

The company has acquired land near the Athens campus in Koropi, where the rest of the data centers it has built are located.

Mr. Kakko, who will step down at the end of the year after 21 years at the helm, will be replaced by Alexandros Behrakis, Commercial Director and Chief Technology Officer of Lamda Hellix, the two men have worked together for the past 11 years. . Lamda Hellix, which was acquired two years ago by US group Digital Realty, has been investing heavily due to the post-pandemic surge in demand for digital services. The company ends this year with a record turnover of around 20 million euros, the highest in 19 years.

However, the increased demand for data centers is not accompanied by an increase in the number of new players. The main reason for this is the fact that the cost of building a building with the necessary characteristics to host multi-user data is extremely high, and regular regular investments in fixed equipment are required to provide modern and high-quality services. Also, for round-the-clock monitoring and operation of data centers, it is necessary to have qualified personnel, and data centers are especially energy-intensive facilities. The cost of building a data center, including the cost of acquiring or providing land and connection to the power grid, is between 10 and 15 euros per watt.