Start Campus and EDP signed a strategic partnership to accelerate next-generation, renewable-powered data center projects in Portugal, with potential expansion to other markets, supported by Davidson Kempner's capital.
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Deal Analysis
Start Campus and EDP Renewables (EDPR) have formed a strategic partnership, backed by capital from Davidson Kempner, to develop renewable-powered data center projects in Portugal, with potential expansion to other markets. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation data centers, leveraging EDPR's renewable energy expertise and Start Campus's development capabilities. The collaboration signifies a growing trend of integrating renewable energy sources into data center infrastructure, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective power solutions.
The partnership's focus on Portugal is notable, given the country's favorable conditions for renewable energy generation and its strategic location within Europe. The planned 1.2 GW capacity indicates a significant investment and a commitment to large-scale data center development. Davidson Kempner's involvement as an investor further validates the project's potential and provides crucial financial backing. This deal could serve as a model for future collaborations between data center developers and renewable energy providers, particularly in regions with abundant renewable resources.
- Strategic partnership between Start Campus and EDP Renewables (EDPR).
- Capital backing from Davidson Kempner.
- Focus on renewable-powered data centers in Portugal.
- Planned capacity of 1.2 GW.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
Electricity demand from data centers is expected to increase by around 70 TWh of additional consumption by 2030 in Europe. Renewable energy supplied around 68 percent of electricity consumption in 2025 in Portugal.
Quote: “Electricity demand from data centers is rising rapidly — in Europe alone, we expect around 70 TWh of additional consumption by 2030.
Quote: Renewable energy is central to Portugal’s power system, already supplying around 68 percent of electricity consumption in 2025 and reinforcing the country’s position as a strong base for sustainable digital infrastructure in Europe.
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Deal Size
With a total combined investment value of an estimated €8.5bn, the campus utilises 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.
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Capacity
Start Campus is building and operating the SINES Data Campus, a 1.2 GW data center in Portugal, creating one of Europe’s largest and most sustainable data ecosystems with market-leading global connectivity.
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Location
initially anchored at the SINES Data Campus, reinforcing the country’s position at the forefront of Europe’s green digital and energy transition.
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Announcement
Wednesday 25, February 2026
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Signing
Start Campus and EDP today announced the signing of a strategic partnership marking their shared intention to accelerate next-generation, renewable-powered data center projects in Portugal, with potential expansion to other markets.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
S
Start Campus
developer
"Start Campus and EDP today announced the signing of a strategic partnership marking their shared intention to accelerate next-generation, renewable-powered data center projects in Portugal, with potential expansion to other markets."
E
EDP
developer
"Start Campus and EDP today announced the signing of a strategic partnership marking their shared intention to accelerate next-generation, renewable-powered data center projects in Portugal, with potential expansion to other markets."
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Davidson Kempner
investor
"Davidson Kempner is pleased to support this strategic alignment as part of our long-term commitment to building resilient digital infrastructure platforms"
high quality
Enriched Feb 25, 2026
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