Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Proposed Spanish data centre rules raise fears of lost investment
Spain’s government has proposed a decree to regulate data centres across the country.
The industry group SpainDC says some requirements could make projects too costly or impossible to meet.
It warns that up to 90% of projects planned through 2030 could be at risk, representing €67 billion in proposed investment.
SpainDC says current data centres use 0.5% of the country’s electricity generation, and that all serious planned projects could raise the share to 2.5% or 3% by 2030.
The government has cited Ireland, where data centres account for nearly 25% of electricity generation, though some estimates put the figure above 30%.
SpainDC warns that investment could move to Portugal or France if the rules are not eased, while the decree’s approval is under way.
Spain’s proposed data centre decree could put up to 90% of planned projects at risk, according to industry group SpainDC.
The projects planned through 2030 represent €67 billion in investment, SpainDC says.
The group warns that strict requirements could make facilities uneconomic and send investment to countries such as Portugal or France.
SpainDC estimates data centres currently account for 0.5% of Spain’s electricity generation, rising to 2.5% to 3% by 2030 if current plans proceed.
The government says the rules are intended to prevent Spain from facing the electricity pressures seen in Ireland.
- Who
- Spain’s government and the data centre industry group SpainDC.
- What
- A proposed decree would regulate data centres in Spain. SpainDC warns it could threaten investment and projects.
- When
- The government announced the draft decree on 27 August. The article was published on 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Spain, with projects potentially relocating to Portugal or France.
- Why
- The government says the rules aim to prevent electricity pressures like those in Ireland. SpainDC says the requirements could make projects economically unviable.
Spain’s government
SpainDC
Purpose of the decree
Spain’s government
The rules aim to prevent electricity pressures like those seen in Ireland.
SpainDC
Spain’s current and projected data centre electricity demand is relatively low, so the decree is unjustifiably restrictive.
Effect on projects
Spain’s government
The government’s stated rationale is to prevent excessive electricity demand.
SpainDC
SpainDC says the requirements could threaten up to 90% of planned projects and drive investment abroad.
The government announced a draft decree to regulate data centres in Spain.
Minister Óscar López addressed the decree’s rationale at an Ametic seminar in Santander.
- Planned investment
- €67 billion through 2030
- Projects at risk
- Up to 90%, according to SpainDC
- Current electricity demand
- 0.5% of Spain’s generation, according to SpainDC
- Projected electricity demand
- 2.5% to 3% of generation by 2030 if current plans proceed, according to SpainDC
- Potential destinations for investment
- Portugal and France