“Green light” for Microsoft’s first new Data Center in Attica – How the 1 bln euro investment will roll out

The major investment by Microsoft for three new data centers in Mesogia is progressing, as approval has been granted for the first one in Spata.

Specifically, the site placement and environmental terms for the creation of the first of the three new data centers, code-named ATH04, have been approved in the area of the Business Park of Petra Gialou – Vouli – Prokalisi in the Municipality of Spata – Artemis.

According to information, the major contract for the construction of Microsoft’s data center ATH04 in Spata is being undertaken by GEK TERNA in collaboration with the Italian company Renco. AECOM is the technical advisor and construction administrator for the project, having started with due diligence and significantly contributing to the project’s maturation. Additionally, Hill International has taken on the role of project manager.

The total cost for all three data centers (one in Spata and the other two in Koropi) amounts to €976,168,800 (excluding VAT). This cost includes capital expenditures for purchasing the land, constructing the building facilities, and acquiring the necessary equipment (software, hardware, servers, etc.), totaling €746,548,800. It also encompasses operational expenses for an eight-year period, amounting to €229,620,000, which covers salaries, facility management, maintenance, and other costs.

How ATH04 Will Be Built

According to the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), the project involves the construction and operation of a data center in Spata, adhering to international construction and operational standards. The Spata Data Center, according to the company’s plans, will be part of a broader cluster of Microsoft Data Centers in Eastern Attica.

The facility includes two (2) subsections (COLOs) with a power capacity of 9.6 MW IT for each subsection, totaling 19.2 MW IT. The overall power supply for the facility will be 25 MW.

The project under study, code-named ATH04, will be constructed on a site located approximately 1.1 km north of Spata. It consists of two individual plots with a total area of approximately 84,537.41 m² (O.T. E31: 69,538.91 m² and O.T. E26: 14,998.50 m²) within the approved business park “Petra Gialou – Vouli – Prokalisi.” It will be about 5 km from Athens International Airport. The location is approximately 500 m from the extension of the Ymittos Regional Road towards Rafina and 1,300 m from the perimeter road of Spata.

The project primarily involves mechanical and electrical equipment for cloud-based data storage and is structured around a main building unit, which consists of two (2) individual spaces, along with supporting facilities and infrastructure in the surrounding area to support the operation of the Data Center.

It is a modern facility, primarily composed of a single-story metal structure, along with auxiliary facilities, green spaces, and internal roadways. From the above, it is evident that the proposed installation aligns perfectly with the industrial/commercial character of the business park where it is proposed to be established.

More specifically, in summary, the proposed project involves the construction and operation of the following individual components:

Equipment Building / Ballard Building (8627 m²)

• Server Room / Colo
• Electrical Rooms
• Mechanical Rooms

Administration Building / Admin Building (1343 m²)

• Loading Dock and Receiving Staging Area
• Office Suites
• Storage Areas
• Electrical Equipment Room
• Equipment Yard

Supporting Facilities & Outdoor Infrastructure

• Entrance Gates & Access Control
• Electric Power Substations
• Internal Roadways and Vehicle Parking Areas
• Storage Tanks and Stormwater Network
• Sewage System and Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Power Supply Network, Storage Tanks, and Potable Water Treatment Facility
• Fire Protection System
• Backup Generator Room
• Green Spaces and Irrigation Network

For more details and the complete article in Greek, click here