Vertiv to power Digital Realty’s new AI-ready data center campus in Rome

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has been selected to supply its next-generation, AI-ready power and cooling solutions for Digital Realty’s first major data center in Italy, the ROM1 campus.

RELATED: Digital Realty expands Africa’s presence with new Lagos data centre

This strategic partnership aims to establish Rome as a pivotal Mediterranean hub for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Scheduled to open in 2027, the new facility will feature a capacity of over 3 MW. It is purpose-built to handle the escalating demands of AI and machine learning.

Engineering an AI and HPC Hub

The ROM1 facility will be equipped with Vertiv’s advanced infrastructure, specifically engineered for high-density computing. Key technological implementations include:

• Advanced Cooling: Innovative free-cooling systems that leverage Rome’s temperate climate to maximize energy efficiency.
• High-Efficiency Power: Highly efficient power management systems built to support the intensive and fluctuating demands of AI workloads.
• Intelligent Design: AI-ready systems that dynamically adapt to real-time workload demands and integrate with smart environmental controls.

This infrastructure is designed to set new benchmarks for performance and sustainability in the region.

ADVERTISEMENT

Strategic Location and Connectivity

Strategically located in Rome, the carrier-neutral ROM1 facility is poised to become a critical digital gateway connecting Europe to major Mediterranean markets via robust fibre networks and submarine cables. Its launch will complement Digital Realty’s existing footprint in Marseille, Athens, and Crete, solidifying its leadership in the Mediterranean region.

“Rome is emerging as a crucial gateway for digital infrastructure between Europe and the Mediterranean,” said Alessandro Talotta, Managing Director, Italy of Digital Realty. “The cutting-edge technologies selected for ROM1 will help establish it as a strategic AI hub.”

Meeting the Global Demand for AI Infrastructure

This project extends the long-standing collaboration between Vertiv and Digital Realty across key European markets, including Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam. It underscores the industry-wide shift towards building specialized infrastructure capable of supporting the next wave of digital transformation.

“The growing adoption of AI applications is driving the need for more sophisticated data centre infrastructure,” said Karsten Winther, President for EMEA at Vertiv. “Our solutions are designed for projected scalability while helping customers meet their efficiency objectives.”