An old mine in Sulcis will be transformed into an artificial intelligence data center thanks to a €1.5 billion investment. The plan will create 400 jobs. The project was declared by the Council of Ministers, upon a proposal from the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, to be of "preeminent national strategic interest." The program, called "Digital Vault Sulcis" and promoted by Energy Vault Sulcis Srl, an indirect subsidiary of Energy Vault Holdings Inc., involves a strategic project for the construction of an Edge AI Data Center integrated with infrastructure for the production and storage of renewable energy at the former Monte Sinni coal mine in Nuraxi Figus (Gonnesa).
The initiative involves an investment of approximately €1.49 billion and includes a data center with a capacity of up to 30 MW, generating an estimated 400 jobs annually, both directly and through related activities. The project will foster the sustainable redevelopment of a decommissioned industrial site, contributing to the creation of an advanced technology hub in Sulcis, dedicated to artificial intelligence and new energy infrastructure. This approach is consistent with the government's strategy for the region, which focuses on industrial revitalization and the redevelopment of the production hub.
"This measure represents the first institutional recognition of the industrial reconversion process undertaken in recent years by the Sardinia Region and carried forward by the Department of Industry in close collaboration with the sole director of Carbosulcis, Massimo Basciu," commented Industry Councilor Emanuele Cani . "Today marks a historic milestone. After years of commitment, the Nuraxi Figus site is once again an opportunity. The industrial plan we are developing combines sustainability, innovation, and employment. Our priority remains protecting workers and generating new, skilled jobs for future generations," Cani emphasized.
"Today's announcement represents an important milestone in the evolution of Energy Vault's strategy in Sardinia, with the recognition of Digital Vault Sulcis as an AI infrastructure project of national importance," said Luca Manzella, Vice President EMEA at Energy Vault. "Over the past year, we've made significant progress on land rights, engineering, grid connection, commercial engagement, and project planning, creating a solid foundation for the next phase of development. We are grateful to the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the Italian Government for their support as we move Digital Vault Sulcis toward construction and subsequent commercial operation."
The Energy Vault Sulcis project will now enter the implementation phase, with the necessary technical discussions and agreements to begin the first construction projects within the next few months. Following the Council of Ministers' resolution , a special government commissioner will be appointed , in agreement with the Regions, with the task of coordinating administrative activities and expediting the implementation of the projects, including for the purposes of issuing the single authorization.
(Unioneonline)
