THE DATA CENTRE INTERVIEW

Capacity of Rio AI City, Elea Data Center’ s AI campus

Percentage of Brazil’ s data stored abroad

“ Rio AI City is reflective of this approach, with a historic memorandum of understanding signed between Elea and the federal government, the city of Rio de Janeiro and key public institutions,” explains Alessandro.

“ This collaboration is strategic, not just institutional. It allows Elea to reduce project risk by working directly with city and federal officials, streamlining complex permitting processes and ensuring the project is seamlessly integrated into the city’ s power grid, submarine cable hub and broader urban revitalisation goals.”

Alessandro also points to the approach as a means of creating shared value and ensuring long-term adaptability.

“ This partnership allows Elea to build an ecosystem that is mutually beneficial, generating thousands of high-skilled jobs and contributing to the city’ s economic development,” he says.“ Engaging local stakeholders from the outset enables

The vision for Elea’ s Rio AI City

Elea to develop a‘ living infrastructure’ that evolves in response to technological advancements, regulatory changes and climate realities, ensuring long-term success and a lasting, positive impact.

“ By adopting this collaborative model, Elea is a strategic partner in building Brazil’ s digital future, offering a sustainable and reliable way for global companies to expand into the country.”

A digital infrastructure blueprint Alessandro insists that Elea’ s efforts matter because they’ re creating

32 September 2025