Nscale: Has Sines Become a Key European Digital Hub?

Start Campus and Nscale have revealed the European Union's inaugural and most extensive deployment of the Nvidia GB300 NVL72 platform at the SIN01 data centre in Sines, Portugal.

This initiative establishes the two companies as central players in the European AI infrastructure scene, reinforcing Microsoft’s advanced AI capabilities throughout the region.

Nscale, an AI-native infrastructure firm with European headquarters, opted for the Start Campus facility due to its strategic coastal setting, scalability and readiness for immediate implementation.

The infrastructure is slated to go live by the first quarter of 2026, signifying a landmark in Europe's AI data centre abilities.

Powering Europe’s next-generation AI infrastructure

The Nvidia GB300 NVL72 platform is engineered for high-performance AI inference and training, providing the compute power necessary to manage increasingly large and complex AI models.

The implementation at SIN01 will accommodate rack densities surpassing 130kW, delivering the cooling and energy efficiency essential for high-density, next-generation workloads.

“This is a defining moment for Start Campus,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus.

“With SIN01 now at full capacity and being expanded on the back of oversubscribed demand, we’ve proven that the SINES Data Campus is one of the most desirable global locations prepared for ultra-dense, next-generation AI workloads. 

“We're proud to partner with Nscale and Nvidia on this flagship deployment. We are also excited to now fully focus on launching our next data centre, the 180MW SIN02 facility, on this pioneering campus.”

The SIN01 facility’s advanced infrastructure corresponds with Portugal’s standing as an emerging digital hub within Europe.

Featuring robust energy performance and renewable integration, Sines is rapidly developing into a chosen location for sustainable data centre investments.

Strengthening Portugal’s role in the digital economy

The implementation underscores Portugal’s growing importance in the European AI and data centre industries.

Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion in Portugal, characterises the project as evidence of the nation’s attractiveness for technology investment.

“This investment in Sines confirms the international confidence in Portugal as a destination for innovation and technology, strengthening our position in the global digital economy and creating conditions to attract talent and high value-add investment,” he says.

“This is a remarkable example of how the country can lead the transition to a greener and smarter economy.”

Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing of Portugal, adds that the project aligns with national infrastructure goals and environmental commitments. 

“Start Campus exemplifies two key aspects that are essential in the strategy for developing public policy around critical infrastructure,” Miguel says.

“First, it reminds us that we must govern with future generations in mind, ensuring the long-term sustainability of public policy. 

“Second, Sines demonstrates the convergence of the digital transition with Portugal’s unique geographic position – particularly this port, which holds a geostrategic role in becoming a leading digital hub for the future deployment of new submarine cables. This enables safe and sustainable investment in an ecosystem powered by renewable energy, aligned with our 2028 carbon neutrality targets. 

“Together, we must bring this vision to life and make it a reality.”

Recent analysis by Copenhagen Economics projects that data centre investment could add up to €26bn (US$30.43bn) to Portugal’s GDP by 2030, generating tens of thousands of jobs and solidifying the nation’s status as a sustainable digital infrastructure hub.

A partnership advancing AI and sustainability

​​​​​​​Josh Payne, CEO and founder of Nscale, characterizes the collaboration as a significant step in delivering the computing capacity needed for global AI workloads.

“AI needs the right environment to thrive – ones that combine scale, resilience and sustainability,” Josh says.

“This deployment underlines our ability to deliver advanced infrastructure in the European Union with the technical depth required for today’s most demanding workloads.

“Partnering with Start Campus ensures we can meet the needs of our customers while laying foundations for the next generation of AI.”

Portugal’s advancements in renewable energy bolster the environmental credentials of the Sines campus.

According to the national grid operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN), renewable sources provided 71% of the nation’s electricity in 2024, increasing to 81% in early 2025.

Energy costs remain below European Union and Euro Area averages, offering a competitive edge for data centre operations.

Start Campus is already growing beyond SIN01, with the 180MW SIN02 facility poised to boost capacity for hyperscale and AI workloads.

This continued expansion, alongside Nscale’s global partnerships, illustrates the companies’ joint objective to create a sustainable and scalable digital infrastructure ecosystem in Europe.

Nscale’s efforts extend beyond Portugal.

It is constructing the UK’s largest AI supercomputer with Microsoft at its Loughton campus and heading sovereign AI projects like Stargate UK and Stargate Norway in collaboration with Aker ASA. Combined, these initiatives position Nscale as a pivotal force in forming the next generation of global AI infrastructure.