The growth of artificial intelligence, the digitalization of the economy, and new regulatory requirements are accelerating the transformation of the data center sector in Europe. Beyond storage and processing capacity, the focus is shifting towards resilience , efficiency , and, especially, data sovereignty.
To learn more about how these facilities are being built, the Data Centre World – Tech Show Madrid team recently visited the facilities of Oxigen DC , a data center operator specializing in critical infrastructure .

From project to operational infrastructure in two years

Oxigen DC is a recently established operator, founded in 2021 with a clear objective: to develop data centers geared towards mission-critical environments . The project began with the acquisition and transformation of existing infrastructure, which was fully adapted to align with current industry standards.
After nearly two years of development, the center went into production in 2023, in parallel with the acceleration of the data center market driven by the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Today, the company serves more than a hundred organizations, from technology companies to sectors such as healthcare, media or public administration, where data availability and security are critical factors.

A growing sector… and with a clear limit: energy

One of the clearest messages during the visit was that the main challenge for the sector is no longer space, but energy capacity.
While traditionally a rack could operate with consumptions of 5 or 6 kW , new loads linked to artificial intelligence are raising these figures to 15, 20 or even more , which completely changes the rules of data center design.
This increased density forces a rethink of both electricity distribution and cooling systems, but it also puts pressure on the electricity grid , which cannot always keep up with the growth rate of the sector.

This is how a data center is organized from the inside.

The tour of the building allowed us to understand how the infrastructure is physically structured.
The lower floors house the mechanical systems, especially the production and management of refrigeration through water circuits. The computer rooms are located on the upper levels , while other areas contain the electrical infrastructure. Key elements such as the generator sets are located outside .
One of the center's distinguishing features is its power supply from two independent substations , which allows for an additional layer of security against possible incidents.
In terms of connectivity, multiple operators access the building through separate technical rooms , ensuring redundant routes and minimizing the risk of interruptions.

Two models: own infrastructure and space for clients

One of the key elements of the Oxigen DC model is the coexistence of two types of service within the same center.
On one side, there's an area fully managed by the operator , hosting their own cloud services. On the other, there are colocation spaces where customers install their own equipment.
In this second case, the client provides their hardware —servers, storage or networks—, while the operator provides the critical infrastructure : power, air conditioning, connectivity and security.
Access to these rooms is strictly controlled. Every intervention is carried out under technical supervision , a fundamental practice considering that a large proportion of incidents in these types of environments are related to human error.

Cooling: from air to chip

Thermal management is one of today's major challenges.
The center operates with closed-loop chilled water systems that supply air conditioning units responsible for maintaining the conditions in the cold aisles. This model remains standard in many data centers .
However, technological advancements are already pointing towards more sophisticated solutions. Among them is direct liquid cooling , which brings the cooling system directly to the processor, allowing for much higher densities.
This type of technology will be key to supporting future workloads related to artificial intelligence.

Continuous operation and total control

The center's operation is based on 24/7 operation and its own technical equipment .
From preventative maintenance to continuous monitoring , all systems—electrical, mechanical, and communications—are constantly monitored. This operational layer is essential to ensure availability in environments where any disruption can have a direct impact on customers' businesses.
The commitment to having our own staff responds both to security criteria and to the need to have highly specialized profiles.

Beyond infrastructure: sovereignty and resilience

Oxigen DC 's positioning is part of a broader trend in Europe: the need to reduce technological dependence and ensure greater control over data.
In an environment where many cloud infrastructures are in the hands of large international operators, local data centers focused on critical infrastructures are gaining relevance as strategic pieces within the digital ecosystem.
At the same time, the sector is moving towards hybrid models , where organizations combine public cloud, their own infrastructures and colocation services according to their needs.
The challenges associated with data center development—from energy capacity to efficiency and sustainability—will be the focus of Data Centre World Madrid . The event will bring together industry experts to analyze the future direction of this sector within the framework of Tech Show Madrid 2026, which will be held on November 4 and 5 at IFEMA Madrid.

Request more information here:
https://www.techshowmadrid.es/formulario-expositores