Scala Secures $328M Investment for Cutting-Edge Data Centers in Chile

Scala Data Centers recently announced the closure of a $328 million international financing agreement to support the construction of three new hyperscale data centers and a major power substation in Chile. This deal marks a significant milestone for the company and the Latin American data center industry, as it is the largest single-country data center financing deal in the region to date.

The financing was led by a consortium of global banking institutions, including MUFG, SMBC, BNP Paribas, and Natixis. This agreement represents Scala’s first structured international financing outside Brazil and its first loan bearing a green label, aligning with the company’s Green Bond Framework and reinforcing its ESG credentials.

Instead of using a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Scala leveraged its existing Chilean corporate structure for this project, enhancing transparency and simplifying execution. The deal underwent rigorous due diligence under both Chilean and U.S. legal frameworks, highlighting Scala’s growing credibility as a mature and reliable digital infrastructure platform. The Chilean expansion project includes development in Curauma, Lampa, and Huechuraba 2, along with the construction of the Nova Lampa substation. These facilities are contractually backed by 23 megawatts of IT capacity and an additional 30 megawatts reserved for future growth through existing agreements with hyperscale clients. The sites will operate on 100% certified renewable energy, utilize zero-waste water systems, and aim for a design PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of under 1.45, meeting or exceeding global sustainability standards.

Scala CFO Clayton Malheiros described the deal as more than just a financial milestone, emphasizing Scala’s capacity to pair operational excellence with sustainable growth. MUFG’s Tatiana Preta, Head of Project Finance for Latin America, echoed this sentiment, stating that the deal sets a benchmark for responsible digital infrastructure investment in the region. The project has already received recognition, earning the title of ‘Digital Infrastructure Deal of the Year – Latin America’ at IJGlobal’s annual awards in New York. Beyond its financial and technical significance, the initiative is expected to contribute to local economic development, complying with Chile’s RCA (Environmental Qualification Resolution) requirements, including labor and community engagement guidelines. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are anticipated during the construction phase.

Scala’s broader financing strategy continues to focus on diversification to support capital-intensive growth. In Brazil, the company recently secured a BRL 180 million loan from BNDES, the national development bank’s first such deal with a data center operator. Additionally, Scala executed two sale-leaseback transactions with Alianza in 2024, unlocking over $70 million for its Brazilian operations. With over $803 million in ESG-linked green debentures issued in Brazil, Scala has solidified its position as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure across Latin America. The Chilean project serves as a blueprint for future developments, reaffirming the company’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and regional digital transformation.