Home / Technology / Spain Tightens Data Center Rules Amidst Boom
Spain Tightens Data Center Rules Amidst Boom
26 Aug
Summary
- Spain implements new water, energy, and cybersecurity rules for data centers.
- Data centers must establish EU presence and keep data within the EU.
- Renewable energy must cover 80% of supply, with new megawatt matching.
The Spanish government is set to enact stricter regulations for data centers concerning water usage, energy consumption, and cybersecurity. These measures are a response to the rapid growth of data center projects within the country.
Spain has become a major European hub for data centers, attracting significant investments tied to artificial intelligence. The new draft decree, open for public consultation, aims to select the most efficient and sustainable projects.
Under the proposed rules, data center operators must be based in the European Union, with all handled data remaining within EU borders. Enhanced security protocols will be in place for data related to public entities or national security.
The decree mandates water and energy efficiency levels aligned with upcoming EU sustainability standards. Additionally, data centers will need to cover at least 80% of their energy needs with renewables, with a requirement to match new energy capacity with new renewable installations within 18 months.
