- Copenhagen Economics’ study reveals that the data center sector could contribute up to €26 billion to national GDP and support around 50,000 full-time jobs by 2030.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) will decisively drive substantial investments in state-of-art energy-efficient data centers.
- Start Campus, with its flagship SINES DC campus, is positioned to drive this economic growth with its fully secured grid capacity of 1.2 GW of IT and first building (SIN01) already operational.
Lisbon, Portugal, 14 July 2025 – Portugal is establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading digital and AI ready hubs and further growth in data center development in the country could contribute up to €26 billion to the national GDP between 2025 and 2030 (i.e. average of c. € 4.4 billion per year), according to a study conducted this year by Copenhagen Economics.
Direct and Indirect Socio-Economic Impact
The study Assessment of the Socio-Economic Benefits of the Data Center Sector in Portugal, released this Monday, estimates that the sector could support up to 50,000 full-time jobs every year, including direct, indirect, and induced employment, provided favorable investment and regulatory conditions are in place.
Between 2022 and 2024, data centers already added €311 million to Portugal’s GDP, also sustaining around 1,700 jobs annually, while drawing and retaining skilled professionals, strengthening regional cohesion and opening up new education pathways. The report underscores Portugal’s deep bench of qualified talent in data-center-relevant fields, a sentiment echoed by numerous digital-ecosystem stakeholders, and notes a solid tech base of roughly 230,000 ICT specialists alongside a high proportion of STEM graduates.
Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force
The study also highlights that by 2030, around 70% of computing capacity will be dedicated to AI applications, underscoring the need for modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Demand for this capacity is expected to grow at a rate of 33% per year through the end of the decade.
The widespread adoption of cloud computing, big data, and AI solutions by companies and public entities depends on the existence of efficient and scalable data centers capable of ensuring low-latency connectivity. Without this foundation, the full potential of digital technologies for businesses, public services, and users could be compromised.
Portugal’s Competitive Advantages
The analysis indicates that Portugal is well-positioned to become a key hub in AI and digital infrastructure in Europe.
This is underpinned by a competitive electricity cost – approximately 30% below the European average – and a large supply of electricity from renewable sources – 87.5% of total net generation. Portugal’s Atlantic coast also provides conditions for resource-efficient cooling solutions that contribute to reducing freshwater consumption, energy consumption and operational costs, such as the use of seawater.
Portugal benefits from robust connectivity infrastructure, being estimated that approximately 25% of the world’s submarine cables pass through the country. It also offers 92% fibre optic coverage, ranking as the third best network in the European Union (EU).
“Portugal has all the right conditions to establish itself as a leading digital and AI hub in Europe: strategic connectivity, clean energy, and a highly skilled workforce. This study confirms that, with the right public policies, data centers can become a driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus.
“Portugal is emerging as a key European destination for data center investments, yet achieving its fullest potential cannot be taken for granted given intense international competition to host digital infrastructures. There are already significant economic benefits from existing data centers alone, which represents a fraction of future opportunities,” says Dr. Bruno Basalisco, Director at Copenhagen Economics.
Policy Conditions will Shape Future Investments and Corresponding Socio-Economic Benefits
To ensure the full development of the sector and make the most of this industry’s potential, the study outlines five areas of action where policymakers could consider to foster investments: ensure predictability and access to the electrical grid and components such as chips; streamline licensing processes for both technological and energy infrastructures; develop targeted measures for data center investment; and promote digitalisation and AI adoption across the business sector and public administration.
The Copenhagen Economics report is based on an Input-Output macroeconomic model, using data from Eurostat, the OECD, and national operators. It also includes interviews with more than 15 stakeholders from the digital ecosystem, including AICEP, ANACOM, FCT, international technology companies, and local authorities.
Full study available at this link.
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About Start Campus:
Start Campus is developing the SINES DC project, a 1.2GW data center campus in Portugal, creating Europe’s largest and most sustainable data ecosystem with market-leading global connectivity. SINES DC provides maximum optionality for customers with powered shell, turn-key and build-to-suit solutions. The company’s advanced customer offerings are AI-ready and address the future needs of the industry by integrating liquid cooling technologies into its flexible and scalable design. With a total combined investment value of €8.5 billion, the project will use 100% renewable energy and targets an industry-leading PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.1 and a WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness) of 0 by harnessing the cooling power of the ocean. For more information, please visit www.startcampus.pt.
About Copenhagen Economics:
Copenhagen Economics is a specialized economics consultancy providing expert advice and analysis in competition, regulation, dispute support, and impact assessment. Copenhagen Economics provides hard facts and clear stories, enabling clients and their stakeholders to make superior decisions based on sound analysis. Working across multiple sectors globally, Copenhagen Economics has significant expertise delivering economic studies on data centers across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Founded in 2000, Copenhagen Economics A/S employs over 90 expert economists and has been recognized by the Global Competition Review as one of the world’s top 20 economic consultancies since 2006. The firm has offices in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Brussels. For more information, please visit www.copenhageneconomics.com.
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