Data Centers Expansion in Italy: Energy Considerations and Big Data Analysis

The need for a Mediterranean hub that allows the spread of artificial intelligence has induced the wind of data center expansion to blow in Italy. Based on public and web data (therefore of only approximate and illustrative reliability), a possible proto-plan is outlined hereinafter that highlights - together with the need for time and cost refinements to reach a real concrete plan - how the construction of data centers should proceed on a broad front in order to optimize the plan objectives. These objectives include, in addition to operational reliability, also the times and costs associated with construction. Some elements of the plan are therefore discussed below from a technical-economic and organizational point of view, but also from a design point of view, useful for localization and for plant optimization, especially for the energy part (in its varioustechnological options) in a European context. After discussing the need for a data center to also operate off-grid, as well as the need for regulation and power factor correction for electrical supplies, the opportunity of an operational index to evaluate performance is highlighted, which should be part of the guaranteed parameters. For this purpose, an estimation index of Normalized Annual Processing Power (NAPP) is provided as a proposal-example to be used in the case of “turn-key” type construction contracts through a “main contractor” or through an “architect-engineer” with managerial functions. Finally, ethical and responsibility aspects are highlighted that concern the ownership of data and the purposes of their use, especially in general cases of experiments that involve a social body worried about generalized social control.