After reading the latest report by Copenhagen Economics on the economic potential of Portugal’s data centre sector, I felt compelled to write again about this transformative industry. The numbers are impressive, but the deeper story is even more powerful. Portugal is positioning itself at the heart of Europe’s digital future. And with the second edition of Atlantic Convergence coming to Lisbon this October, bringing together major players from both sides of the Atlantic, the momentum is only growing.

The report highlights that Portugal’s data centre sector could contribute up to €26 billion to the national GDP by 2030 and create around 50,000 full-time jobs. This is not just about technology; it is about a structural shift in the country’s economy, and an opportunity to lead in one of the fastest-growing global sectors.

Data centres are the digital engines behind everything we do online. They power streaming services, e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and even public infrastructure. As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, demand for data storage and processing capacity is exploding, particularly as AI adoption grows. These technologies need immense computing power, and Portugal is well-positioned to provide it.

What makes Portugal stand out in this race? A unique mix of advantages: a strategic location connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas; access to robust subsea cable networks; competitive electricity prices; and abundant renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Combined with a growing pool of skilled professionals in ICT and engineering, these factors make Portugal an increasingly attractive destination for data centre investment.

The report also shows that the impact of data centres is already being felt. Between 2022 and 2024, the sector supported €311 million in GDP and generated an average of 1,700 jobs per year. But this is just the beginning. From 2025 to 2030, the sector is expected to contribute between €6.1 billion and €26.2 billion to GDP annually and support up to 48,400 jobs each year, depending on investment conditions and policy support.

More than just economic gains, data centres are strategic assets. They enable digital transformation across the economy, help develop tech clusters, attract international investors, and retain skilled talent. They can also promote regional development and social cohesion by driving growth in areas outside traditional economic hubs.

This October, Lisbon will once again host Atlantic Convergence, an event that gathers top industry leaders from Europe, North America, and beyond to discuss the future of digital infrastructure. It is a timely platform to display Portugal’s growing role and to foster even more collaboration across borders.

The data centre industry represents a long-term opportunity for Portugal to build a resilient, high-value, tech-driven economy. With the right policies and continued investment, the country can move from potential to leadership, solidifying its place as a digital gateway for the Atlantic and beyond.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes