Elea Launches Rio AI City, a 3.2GW Green Hub for AI and Cloud
Elea Data Centers has revealed the launch of Rio AI City, an inaugural project that is situated in the Olympic Park area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The facility, intended to host the flourishing AI and cloud computing industries, will be fueled by up to 3.2GW of energy capacity, a step that puts Brazil in the center of world digital transformation.
The project will be among the largest of its nature in Latin America and the rest of the world, representing a significant breakthrough in the tech and clean energy prospects of the nation.
Strategic Location and Sustainable Energy
Rio AI City is positioned in the optimal location in Rio de Janeiro with the best connectivity and energy reliability. It is tied to one of the world's most stable energy grids with 99.8% uptime and powers 100% with renewable energy from only certified renewable sources. The city is also connected to Rio's submarine cable hub, further strengthening its connectivity to the world digital network, positioning it as a leading AI infrastructure player.
Urban Renewal and Sustainable Development
The construction of Rio AI City also accompanies the Mata Maravilha urban renewal project, reviving more than 200,000 m² of land. This involves the forestation, residential, green space, park, and commercial areas, a comprehensive approach to development that integrates technology, sustainability, and urban living.
The focus of the development on green buildings, waterless air conditioning, and energy-saving infrastructure is in line with Rio de Janeiro's focus on environmentally friendly, digital-driven development.
Economic and Employment Impact
The project will create more than 10,000 jobs in the area and will bring billions of dollars in investment to the region in the course of a decade. The growth of Rio AI City is a response to the city's plan to become the world's major hub for technology and innovation and help the regional economy grow as well as its status in the digital economy.
Phased Expansion and Future Prospects
The initial phase of Rio AI City, comprising the RJO1 data center, is already up and running, with the RJO2 location currently under construction and expected to start operations in 2026. Future expansion, such as RJO3 and RJO4, will boost the overall capacity, eventually reaching as much as 3.2GW. This expansion will cater to the AI and cloud computing industries as well as to the growing demand for data center services across multiple industries, ranging from semiconductor design to aerospace and more.
Also read: Invenergy Awards $1.7B for Grain Belt Express to Power AI Growth
Rio de Janeiro: A Tech Hub in Bloom
Rio de Janeiro, with its rich history and solid economic roots, is emerging as a shining star of the new digital economy, led by initiatives such as Rio AI City. The city stands favorable as a tech hub, with a sound GDP of R$350 billion and ventures such as Porto Maravalley, an upcoming educational tech hub in Latin America.
