Italy is entering one of the fastest growth phases in its data-centre history. The rise of cloud regions, AI compute, and large colocation campuses — especially around Milan and the northern regions — is creating intense demand for secure, resilient power infrastructure. Alongside this expansion, awareness of electromagnetic threats (EMP, HEMP, IEMI, HPM and severe solar-storm events) is increasing, pushing some operators to reconsider how resilient their power systems truly are.

The result is a growing intersection between the UPS market and the EMP-protection market, particularly for high-tier data-centre environments that cannot tolerate widespread electrical or electromagnetic disruptions.

1. Italy’s Data-Centre Growth and Its Power Challenge

1.1 Expansion of Digital Infrastructure

Italy has become a prime location for hyperscale and enterprise cloud deployments. Milan serves as the primary data-centre hub, with Lombardy experiencing heavy new-build activity. AI clusters, cloud zones, and network interconnection sites are driving power demand to levels that require highly engineered electrical designs.

1.2 Strain on Grid Capacity

A surge in data-centre connection requests has placed pressure on national and regional grid operators. Large projects now request multi-megawatt — in some cases gigawatt-scale — aggregate capacity. This creates increased focus on:

  • power stability,

  • reliable backup architectures,

  • and on-site energy integration.

This environment elevates the strategic importance of UPS systems as part of the core electrical infrastructure.

2. UPS Market Trends in Italy’s Data-Centre Sector

2.1 Modular and Scalable UPS Systems

Modern Italian data centres prefer modular UPS architectures that allow incremental growth, redundancy (N+1 or 2N), and simplified maintenance. These systems support continuous operation even during battery replacement or module isolation.

2.2 Battery Technology Shifts

Lithium-ion UPS batteries are gaining ground due to:

  • longer lifespan,

  • higher energy density,

  • smaller footprint,

  • improved thermal performance.

VRLA remains present in legacy or cost-controlled environments but is phasing out in high-end facilities.

2.3 Hybrid Power Continuity Architecture

Operators increasingly combine UPS with:

  • battery energy-storage systems (BESS),

  • fast-start generators,

  • on-site renewables,

  • microgrid-compatible controls.

This results in more resilient, flexible systems that protect against both local outages and upstream grid disturbances.

2.4 Efficiency and Sustainability Targets

Italian facilities, especially new hyperscale sites, are under pressure to meet strict PUE, sustainability, and energy-efficiency commitments. Modern UPS with high conversion efficiency and intelligent load-sharing contribute to these objectives.

3. EMP Threat Landscape for Italian Data Centres

3.1 Understanding EMP Risk

EMP threats cover several categories:

  • HEMP (high-altitude nuclear EMP),

  • IEMI / HPM (intentional electromagnetic interference or microwave attacks),

  • GMD (geomagnetic disturbances from severe solar storms).

These events can induce damaging surges, disrupt electronics, or disable control systems — even without physically damaging the building.

3.2 Why Data Centres Care

Data centres host critical national and commercial digital systems. An EMP-related failure could:

  • interrupt cloud services,

  • degrade financial or government operations,

  • cause simultaneous equipment failure across multiple rooms or sites.

Even if probability is low, the impact magnitude makes EMP a strategic consideration for selected high-tier environments.

4. Where UPS Helps — and Where It Doesn’t

4.1 UPS Strengths

A UPS protects against:

  • outages,

  • voltage sags/swells,

  • harmonic distortion,

  • short-term grid instability.

It ensures immediate, uninterrupted power while conditioning the incoming feed.

4.2 UPS Limitations Related to EMP

A standard UPS does not inherently protect against EMP-class events because:

  • EMP pulses are extremely fast (nanoseconds),

  • they contain broadband energy,

  • they can couple into both AC and DC lines,

  • UPS electronics themselves may be vulnerable without filtering or shielding.

Therefore, UPS ≠ EMP protection. Additional layers are required.

5. Integrated EMP Protection Strategy for Data Centres

EMP-aware data-centre designs typically combine multiple measures:

5.1 Surge and Transient Filtering

High-speed filters and surge arrestors placed before and after UPS modules help prevent EMP-induced pulses from reaching IT loads.

5.2 Shielding of Critical Zones

Selective shielding may be applied to:

  • control rooms,

  • network POP rooms,

  • command & control racks,

  • high-value IT enclosures.

Shielded rooms or Faraday enclosures reduce radiated energy penetration.

5.3 Grounding and Bonding Architecture

Robust, unified grounding eliminates differential voltages that can arise during wide-area electromagnetic disturbances.

5.4 Electrical Segmentation

Designing separate electrical pathways (dual feeds, isolated UPS strings, separate PDUs) prevents a single pulse from taking out the whole facility.

5.5 Testing and Validation

Critical data centres may conduct:

  • transient tests,

  • grounding audits,

  • shielding verification,

  • periodic maintenance of EMP filters.

6. Procurement Implications for Italian Data Centres

When specifying UPS and EMP measures for new or expanded data centres, operators typically:

  • demand modular UPS systems compatible with EMP filtering,

  • require demonstrable surge/transient performance characteristics,

  • include design provisions for selective shielding and filtered penetrations,

  • integrate UPS planning with grid-connection and fault-ride-through strategies,

  • align with internal risk assessments and operational continuity needs.