The Pecém industrial complex and Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in Brazil’s Ceará state is set to become a significant hub for data center investments, with at least five major projects approved by the National Council of Export Processing Zones (CZPE). These projects, including four by Exportdata and one by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, are expected to bring in over R$450 billion in investments over the next decade.
The data centers are projected to generate around R$80 billion per year in service exports, bolstering Brazil’s digital trade balance. Exportdata’s four data centers, slated to become operational between 2027 and 2032, will invest R$349 billion in equipment, infrastructure, and renewable energy generation. These projects are anticipated to create 95,000 direct and indirect jobs.
ByteDance’s data center plans to invest R$108 billion by 2035, with an additional R$135 billion earmarked for technological upgrades from 2036 to 2046. This project is expected to generate 550 direct and indirect jobs and 3,800 jobs during the construction phase. The data center will be powered by a new wind farm owned by Casa dos Ventos, with Pátria Investimentos’ data center unit Omnia overseeing the project.
Omnia’s data center, with an initial processing capacity of 200MW and a total energy consumption of up to 300MW, is designed to serve large cloud and AI providers. Construction is set to begin later this year, with operations starting in the second half of 2027. Omnia is also exploring new partnerships and projects in Chile, Mexico, and Colombia.
The Pecém Industrial and Port Complex (CIPP) and the Ceará Export Processing Zone (ZPE Ceará) offer robust infrastructure and direct connections to international submarine fiber optic cables, making the region an attractive location for data center investments. The development of these projects could significantly impact the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the digital sector.
The influx of data center investments in Pecém could also drive demand for renewable energy, as these facilities require substantial power to operate. This could lead to further investments in wind and solar power generation, contributing to Brazil’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, the focus on data export could enhance Brazil’s position in the global digital market, attracting more international companies to the region.
The development of these data centers could also spur advancements in AI and cloud computing, as these facilities are designed to support large-scale data processing and storage. This could lead to innovations in various sectors, from healthcare to finance, as businesses leverage these technologies to improve their operations.
Furthermore, the projects could set a precedent for other regions in Latin America, demonstrating the potential for data center investments to drive economic growth and technological advancements. As Omnia explores projects in other countries, the ripple effects of these investments could be felt throughout the region.
In conclusion, the approval of these data center projects in Pecém marks a significant milestone for Brazil’s digital sector. The investments are expected to generate substantial economic benefits, create jobs, and drive advancements in AI and cloud computing. The focus on renewable energy and data export could also enhance Brazil’s position in the global digital market, setting a precedent for other regions in Latin America.