Madrid is consolidating its position as one of the main European hubs for data centers, with an installed capacity currently around 100MW and that could multiply by six by 2026, reaching 621MW. With a projected investment of over 6 billion euros, the Spanish capital is becoming a strategic enclave for digital infrastructure at the international level. This growth was one of the key topics during the recent edition of Data Centre World Madrid, held on October 16 and 17 at IFEMA.
The event, part of the Madrid Tech Show, brought together over 22,500 attendees, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous edition. This growth underscores the growing relevance of Madrid in the data center sector. Among the attendees, 32% were CEOs or high-level executives, highlighting the event’s importance in strategic decision-making for the industry’s future.
One of the central points of the presentations was sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in data centers. In his speech, Francisco Ramírez, Spain Operations Director of Data4, emphasized Spain’s commitment to global efficiency standards in the sector: “We are pioneers in the use of renewable energies and the efficiency of our equipment,” Ramírez said, highlighting the need for collaboration among companies to make the qualitative leap necessary to lead the sector globally.
David Carrero, co-founder of Stackscale (Aire Group), commented: “Madrid and Spain as a whole are experiencing an exceptional moment in the development of digital infrastructure. The combination of strategic connectivity, investment in renewable energies, and a commitment to efficiency has positioned Madrid as a key hub for data centers in Europe. This growth not only responds to local demand but also attracts international companies that see Spain as a gateway to European and African markets, not to mention our country’s Latin American connection.”
During the event, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, highlighted the city’s crucial role in the expansion of data centers, pointing out that Madrid already accounts for 60% of the sector in Spain and expects a 54% growth in the coming years. This trend places the capital in the sixth position in Europe in terms of data center installations, reinforcing its position as the digital hub of Southern Europe.
Thanks to its geostrategic position and connection to undersea cables linking various continents, Madrid has become a key node for communications and data storage. This, combined with investor interest and industry focus, has catapulted the city to the forefront of the sector in Europe, alongside other major cities like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
The growing demand for digital capacity, driven by digital transformation and the rise of cloud services, is leading Spain to become one of the fastest-growing markets for data center infrastructure in Europe. With significant investment and the commitment of key sector players, the country is on track to establish itself as a global benchmark in this industry.
The impact of this growth will not only be seen in the business sphere but also in the development of new technologies and the generation of specialized employment. Companies and professionals in the sector are preparing to take advantage of this golden age of data centers in Spain, with Madrid leading the way towards a more connected and efficient digital future.