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Data centres

Data centre sites: land, power, connection.

We cover the first stage of the chain: finding and reading a site, establishing how much power is genuinely available and when, and presenting it to the right counterparties.

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Aerial view of a data centre campus with an electrical substation, among fields and hills

The criterion that comes before the others

Power availability and connection timing determine a site’s value more than its area and more than the land price: cheap land with a ten-year wait is not cheap land. We assess sites across Italy on their infrastructure, not their region.

We therefore work in euros per MW, always stating which stage a figure refers to and what evidence supports it: a requested MW, a MW with an accepted connection offer and a contracted MW are not worth the same. Euros per hectare remain a check against the local land market.

Three levels not to confuse

  1. 01

    Requested power

    The project’s requirement, or the power stated in a connection request. On its own it says nothing about whether or when it will be available.

    What evidences itThe connection application or the project’s requirement.
  2. 02

    Documented connection terms

    What the grid operator’s documents show: a connection offer (STMG) issued and accepted, a connection agreement, works, costs and stated timing. These are different stages and not interchangeable.

    What evidences itAn accepted STMG, a connection agreement, works, costs and timing stated by the grid operator.
  3. 03

    Usable capacity

    The power a project can rely on, with works completed and supply conditions defined. Power at the grid intake and power available to IT equipment must also be distinguished.

    What evidences itWorks completed and supply conditions defined.

Each level needs its own evidence. A connection request, on its own, says nothing about whether or when the power will be available.

What we do

  • 01

    Site origination

    Finding land consistent with the requirements of a data centre project.

  • 02

    Screening

    Gross and net developable area, shape, constraints, access, distance to long-haul fibre.

  • 03

    Connection and planning

    Reading the documents available: the stage the connection request has reached, stated timing and its basis, current land use and the route to a variant.

  • 04

    Presentation and matching

    Presenting the site to developers, colocation operators and infrastructure funds, at the stage of development at which each engages.

Who does what

MC21

  • Origination and first assessment of the site
  • Reading the documents on connection, planning and land control
  • Counterparty selection and coordination of requests

Technical and legal professionals

  • Electrical checks on connection and capacity
  • Planning, title, contracts and environmental due diligence
  • Opinions and certifications that require a qualified professional

MC21 does not carry out technical surveys: it organises and coordinates them with the professionals the parties appoint.

What a first assessment needs

For landowners proposing a site. No confidential documents are needed at first contact: just say which ones exist.

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For those looking for sites

Developers, operators and infrastructure funds can share target areas, power, timing and the development stage they accept. We assess sites against those requirements.

Share your site requirements
  1. Location: municipality and, if available, cadastral references
  2. Site area and shape
  3. Current land use and any route to a variant
  4. Connection status and existing documents: request, STMG, acceptance, agreement
  5. Distance to a primary substation or high-voltage line, if known
  6. Land control: ownership, option or other title
  7. Price expectations and timing

Further reading

Let’s start here

Where would you like to start?

Choose a path and the form asks only for what is useful. No confidential documents at first contact.

Propose a siteShare your site requirements

Or write directly to michele.imbimbo@mc21.capital