The combination of reliable green energy, international connectivity through submarine cable networks, and a growing pool of specialized talent has created conditions that are increasingly attractive to global investors.

Against this backdrop, CTS, a multinational headquartered in Switzerland and recognized as a global leader in the design and construction of data centers, has confirmed a significant expansion in Portugal. The company intends to develop some of the largest data center projects on the continent, with the creation of more than 2,000 highly qualified jobs over the short to medium term. This investment reflects CTS’s strategic commitment to position Portugal as a central hub in the European digital infrastructure market.

CTS Portugal has already established an integrated ecosystem composed of eleven specialized companies, each covering different stages of the value chain. These range from advanced architectural and engineering services to the production of critical components such as electrical power distribution units, as well as full construction and maintenance capabilities. This structure, distributed across several regions of the country, currently employs hundreds of professionals and is projected to expand rapidly, particularly in Sines, a location increasingly regarded as a strategic corridor for data center operations.

Portugal’s geographical and technological advantages provide a strong foundation for this industry. The country is directly connected to major international markets through a dense network of submarine fiber optic cables, ensuring high-capacity and low-latency digital traffic. In parallel, its abundant renewable energy resources, combined with the natural cooling potential of the Atlantic Ocean, enable operators to pursue greater energy efficiency and sustainability, while also mitigating operational costs.

Human capital remains another decisive factor. Portugal benefits from a steady supply of skilled engineers and technical professionals, supported by leading universities and research centers. CTS Portugal actively collaborates with these institutions, promoting knowledge transfer and accelerating the development of innovative solutions for the sector. Such partnerships reinforce the country’s positioning as not only a competitive cost environment but also a center of technological excellence.

Taken together, these conditions underscore Portugal’s emergence as a fertile ground for data center investment and expansion. The decision by CTS to commit significant resources to the Portuguese market signals a long-term vision aligned with the country’s strategic assets. As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow globally, Portugal is well placed to strengthen its role as a European gateway for data connectivity, sustainability, and technological advancement.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes