Porto do Açu Aims to Become a Data Center Hub

Porto do Açu is positioned to attract data centers to its port-industrial complex in northern Rio de Janeiro state. Driven by the sector’s accelerated growth, especially amid the rise of artificial intelligence, the port seeks to establish itself as a strategic hub for data processing facilities. To that end, it plans to highlight its competitive advantages, such as energy availability, access to water, and proximity to submarine cables.

The Role of Energy and Connectivity

Recently, Porto do Açu—controlled by Prumo Logística and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International—signed a memorandum of understanding with Consag, a company within the Andrade Gutierrez group, and Vertin to assess the feasibility of deploying up to 1 GW (gigawatt) of data center capacity in the area. According to Frederico Moura, head of strategy and new business at Porto do Açu, the initiative marks the beginning of an ambitious project that could transform the site into one of the sector’s top investment destinations in the coming years.

Energy Potential Simulations

To support the implementation of this new infrastructure, Porto do Açu has brought on real estate consultancy JLL as its exclusive partner for commercializing available land. According to studies by JLL, the port has access to a 500 kV transmission line, with 1 GW currently being commissioned and potential expansion capacity up to 4 GW. In addition, Porto do Açu plans to generate renewable energy—wind and solar—with up to 2.5 GW expected to be operational by 2032.

Bruno Porto, head of real estate at JLL, stresses the importance of energy capacity for data center operations. “Energy capacity and availability are critical factors to ensure uninterrupted operations,” he explains. Planning for future capacity and expansion is essential to meet the rising demand from the tech industry.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Another key factor the port is promoting to attract clients is its connectivity. It is located just 40 km from Embratel’s submarine cable station, which currently offers 10 Gb of capacity and has the potential to expand to 100 Gb. This connectivity is vital for data centers, which depend on high-speed, reliable communication.

JLL also highlights a secondary route to Campos dos Goytacazes, providing data transmission redundancy and security. Service continuity is increasingly valued by technology companies that rely on robust and resilient infrastructure.

South America’s Booming Data Center Sector

With rising investments in technology and AI, the data center industry is expanding rapidly across South America. Studies suggest the sector could grow nearly 70% in the coming years, with Brazil leading the way. This promising landscape strategically places Porto do Açu in a position to benefit from the trend and meet growing market demand.

Given its advantages, Porto do Açu stands out for its geographic location and infrastructure tailored to the future needs of a fast-evolving industry. With careful planning and a forward-looking strategy, it has the potential to become a leading hub for data centers in Brazil.

As digital transformation continues, initiatives like this underscore the importance of infrastructure investment and technological adaptation, establishing Porto do Açu as a key player in Brazil’s digital economy.

Source: Diário do Povo

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