ALPS Appoints Brian Turnbow to Lead AI Data Center Development
Italian firm ALPS has appointed Brian Turnbow as its Technical Director for AI, aiming to leverage the company's expertise in energy and data center infrastructure for sustainable high-performance computing.
ALPS, an Italian technology company, has appointed Brian Turnbow as its new Technical Director for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). Founded in Trento in 2018, the company specializes in the design, construction, and management of data centers integrated with energy systems.
The appointment comes as the demand for electricity for AI development surges. Data from Italian grid operator Terna indicates that connection requests from data centers have surpassed 100 GW as of August 2026, a significant increase from approximately 30 GW at the end of 2024. This rapid growth presents challenges in site selection and grid connection timelines.
ALPS aims to address these energy demands with its "energy-to-compute" approach. This strategy involves locating data centers where energy is readily available, including outside major hubs, to reduce reliance on congested grid areas. The company plans to integrate renewable energy sources and repurpose disused industrial sites, utilizing existing infrastructure like buildings and grid connections. The goal is to develop more sustainable computing infrastructures by limiting land use and new construction.
In his new role, Turnbow will lead ALPS's technical strategy for AI and HPC. This includes evaluating architectures, identifying suitable sites, and engaging with technology and industry partners. Italy is a priority market, with ALPS seeking to bring its international expertise back to the country and collaborate with local engineering and industrial firms.
"Italy and Europe possess significant industrial and energy resources that can be leveraged," stated Francesco Buffa, CEO and co-founder of ALPS. "Through our energy-to-compute approach, we aim to transform the energy and industrial potential of the regions where we operate into a competitive advantage and help reduce Europe's gap in AI."