Why a Mine in the Italian Alps is Home to a 5MW Data Centre

Demand for data centres is growing fast, with the number of sites in the UK alone likely to rise by almost a fifth, according to the BBC. 

With land and energy costs increasing, data centre operators are beginning to explore alternative approaches to construction – including underground sites.

Now, a project under way in northern Italy is pushing this concept further than ever before. Deep in the Dolomites, Trentino DataMine is transforming an active mine into Europe’s first subterranean data centre.

This digital facility is not carved out of a decommissioned industrial site or abandoned tunnel. Instead, it sits inside a fully-operational mine that continues to serve the region in other ways, including storing local produce like apples, cheese and wine.

Digital infrastructure in the Dolomites

Trentino DataMine is a collaboration between the University of Trento and several private companies. Together they are installing servers and networking infrastructure in a mountain cavity more commonly associated with agriculture than computing.

The uniqueness of the project stems from both its location and the conditions within. While underground facilities are often damp, this site is housed within dolomite rock, a sedimentary rock known for its dry and stable characteristics. According to Giuliano Claudio Peritore, President of the Association of Italian Internet Providers, this sets it apart.

“We had heard that abroad data centres were being placed in unusual places, but I had never heard of them being in a mine, because we think of a mine as being a humid place, therefore not suited to a data centre,” he told Euronews.

“Instead, in the case of Trentino (DataMine), we have something special because the dolomite rock is absolutely dry, in a stable mountain, but above all we are seeing the use of a space of this kind being taken from a mining operation.”

This use of natural rock offers more than just shelter. The site sits 100 metres underground, placing it beyond the reach of surface-level disruptions like earthquakes or armed conflict. The mine's thick walls also act as a shield against electromagnetic interference, a detail that enhances both its physical and cyber security profile.

Security and sustainability from deep within

The physical characteristics of a working mine deliver both protective and environmental benefits.

Roberto Loro, Chief Technology Officer of Dedagroup and board member of Trentino DataMine, says the choice is deliberate and long considered.

“Already years ago, there was an intention to make use of these spaces which have unique characteristics, very suited to host a data room,” Roberto explains. “We decided to go ahead because there is a combination of physical security with low environmental and energy impact.”

The mine's depth makes it naturally insulated, reducing the need for active climate control. In addition, the heat generated by the servers is repurposed to benefit other parts of the mine still in use. Whether for heating stored produce or supporting other cooling systems, the thermal output of the centre is not wasted.

At the same time, 60 workers are installing the power and fibre infrastructure needed to support round-the-clock digital operations. That includes ventilation systems, back-up power generators and the connectivity needed to move large volumes of data across Europe and beyond.

Supporting cutting-edge tech

The total cost of building Trentino DataMine stands at €50.2m ($58.95m), funded through a mix of public and private money.

A major contributor is the European Union’s Next Generation fund, which supports economic development and technological progress across EU states. Additional financing worth €18.4m ($21.6m) comes from other public sources and commercial stakeholders within the information technology and construction sectors.

Though still under construction, the centre is expected to be operational by December. The site blends physical security with operational sustainability, repurposing a location long viewed as impractical for digital infrastructure.

While data centres are traditionally built in industrial parks or remote open-air facilities, this mine-based project presents a new model for operators dealing with energy constraints, land pressures and mounting digital demand.

By establishing a centre within the Dolomites, this project shows how deep-rock formations – often dismissed as unsuitable – can support cutting-edge technology. If successful, Trentino DataMine could act as a reference point for operators across Europe and beyond.