- Digital Realty and Schneider Electric completed the HER1 data centre in Crete in under 12 months.
- The project uses a prefabricated model, operates on 100% renewable energy, and enhances regional data connectivity.
What happened: Digital Realty and Schneider Electric launch HER1 data centre in Crete
Digital Realty, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, has successfully launched its new HER1 data centre in Heraklion, Crete. This project, completed in under 12 months, marks a significant step in Digital Realty’s Mediterranean strategy, expanding its regional presence beyond established hubs like Marseille. The data centre aims to provide crucial digital infrastructure for the Eastern Mediterranean, benefiting regions such as the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
The facility’s location was chosen for its strategic positioning, optimising subsea cable routing to enhance connectivity and reduce latency. As Digital Realty’s MD for France and SVP overseeing the Mediterranean region, Fabrice Coquio, explained, Crete’s central location enables better access to the East Mediterranean, facilitating efficient distribution of data.
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Why it’s important
The project represents a breakthrough for Crete, traditionally known for tourism rather than tech infrastructure. By overcoming local challenges such as a lack of data centre expertise, Digital Realty brought in professionals from across Greece and abroad to complete the build. Moreover, the adoption of a prefabricated model, assembled in Barcelona and shipped to Crete, not only expedited the construction process but also ensured a sustainable approach, with the facility running entirely on renewable energy.
This rapid deployment reflects the surging demand for digital infrastructure driven by emerging technologies like AI, which require more power-dense data solutions. The centre’s strategic location and innovative construction model will likely have a lasting impact on the region’s digital landscape. Looking ahead, Digital Realty plans further expansions across the Mediterranean, with potential sites in Morocco, Egypt, and beyond.
