Microsoft has taken a new step toward making Aragón one of its major European hubs for cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The regional government has granted initial approval to the General Interest Plan of Aragón (PIGA), called “MSFT Region”, which includes the construction of three data center campuses in La Muela, Villamayor de Gállego, and Zaragoza, along with their interconnection through an extensive fiber optic network.
The decision, signed by the Minister of Development, Housing, Logistics, and Territorial Cohesion, Octavio López, now opens a 30-business-day public consultation period before final approval.
Three campuses and 283 hectares dedicated to the cloud
The project plans to deploy infrastructure over 283.79 hectares—approximately 701 acres—distributed across the three sites:
- La Muela: the largest campus, with 146.12 hectares.
- Villamayor de Gállego: 80.67 hectares.
- Zaragoza: 57 hectares.
These lands will host the different phases of the data centers, which will house Microsoft Azure’s public cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence services for Spain and other European markets.
Only the construction costs of the buildings will exceed €5.3 billion, not including technological equipment, confirming the project’s scale.
A fiber highway connecting the campuses
In addition to the buildings, the plan includes significant investment in communications:
Microsoft will install 240 kilometers of fiber optic cable and 187 kilometers of conduits for wiring, aiming to interconnect the three campuses and link them to other backbone networks.
This high-capacity communication network is key to ensuring low latency, high availability, and redundancy between the data centers. It also enhances Aragón’s position as a strategic node within the major data corridors crossing the Peninsula.
Jobs: thousands on site and around 900 permanent positions
During each construction phase, the project is expected to require between 1,000 and 2,000 workers, mainly in civil works, installations, and equipment assembly.
Once fully operational, Microsoft estimates around 900 permanent jobs will be generated, including roles in:
- Data center operation and maintenance,
- Systems and networks engineering,
- Physical and cybersecurity,
- Logistics and support services.
These figures are significant for the regional economy, especially in terms of qualified employment and attracting tech talent.
A project within a record investment wave
This new development is part of a broader strategy by the company in Spain and particularly in Aragón.
- In October 2023, Microsoft announced its intention to deploy a cloud region in Aragón.
- Subsequently, the company disclosed plans to invest €6.69 billion more in developing new data centers in the region.
- This is complemented by the announcement of $2.1 billion allocated to cloud and AI infrastructure in Spain over the next two years, and another €2.9 billion for a new data campus in Zaragoza, on a plot adjacent to the Puerto Venecia commercial complex.
Thus, Aragón is solidifying its position as one of Europe’s leading cloud computing hubs, competing and collaborating with other regions like Madrid—where Microsoft opened a cloud region in 2024.
Aragón, new data center hub in Spain
The choice of Aragón is no coincidence. The region already hosts a major cloud infrastructure: Amazon Web Services (AWS) opened its region in Aragón in November 2022, with sites around Zaragoza and other nearby locations.
Aragón’s attractiveness for such projects is supported by several factors:
- Connectivity: favorable position along fiber routes linking Madrid, the Mediterranean, and northern Spain.
- Available land: large industrial plots ready for development.
- Climate and energy efficiency: relevant for cooling data centers effectively.
- Institutional support: mechanisms like PIGA streamline approvals for strategic projects.
For the regional government, these investments are central to their strategy to attract tech companies and establish Aragón as a digital hub for southern Europe.
Next steps: public consultation and final approval
Following the initial approval of the PIGA, the project enters a critical administrative phase. The documentation will be published in the Official Bulletin of Aragón, initiating a 30-business-day period during which citizens, companies, and authorities can submit objections or comments.
After this period, and once any objections are resolved, the Aragón government must grant final approval. According to the company, once approved, Microsoft will immediately begin simultaneous construction of the first phase across the three locations.
“Commitment to innovation and employment in Aragón”
In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson emphasized that the initial approval of the PIGA represents a “significant step in the development of the data center project in Aragón.” They also reiterated that, upon final authorization, construction will commence in La Muela, Villamayor de Gállego, and Zaragoza.
The company frames this investment as part of its commitment to driving innovation, economic growth, supporting Aragón’s tech industry, and creating quality jobs in the region.
Impact and challenges: energy, water, and sustainability
While the project is seen as a major economic opportunity, it also raises questions:
- Energy consumption: data centers require vast amounts of electricity. The challenge will be balancing this demand with decarbonization goals and the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Water use: many projects are adopting “free cooling” systems and advanced cooling solutions to minimize water consumption, especially in dry climates like Aragón.
- Territorial integration: constructing new tech parks in La Muela, Villamayor, and Zaragoza will necessitate planning for access, services, and coexistence with existing agricultural and industrial activities.
Authorities and companies will need to specify how these aspects will be addressed in environmental impact assessments and sustainability plans for each campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is a “cloud region” like the one Microsoft will develop in Aragón?
A cloud region consists of multiple interconnected data centers distributed across different availability zones. Each zone hosts redundant infrastructure to ensure high availability and low latency services for Azure, databases, storage, AI, and other cloud solutions used by businesses and governments.
How many jobs will the new Microsoft data centers in Aragón create?
During each construction phase, between 1,000 and 2,000 workers will be involved, mainly from construction and engineering fields. Once operational, the three campuses could directly support around 900 permanent jobs including roles in operation, maintenance, security, technical support, and related areas.
How will the three campuses in La Muela, Villamayor, and Zaragoza connect?
The plan includes deploying 240 km of fiber optic cable and 187 km of conduits for wiring. This network will enable high-capacity, low-latency links between the campuses and connect them to the broader Microsoft backbone network and telecom operators.
Why is Aragón becoming a data center hub in Spain?
The combination of available land, robust fiber routes, favorable climate for energy efficiency, and institutional support through programs like PIGA makes Aragón an attractive destination for large cloud projects. The prior presence of AWS and now Microsoft Azure cements the region’s role as a key part of Spain’s digital infrastructure landscape.