Spain is once again on the European digital infrastructure map. Nostrum Data Centers (formerly Ingenostrum) has announced the development of six data centers across the country — Badajoz, Cáceres, Guadalajara, Pinto, Zamudio, and Galicia — with a combined capacity of 800 MW and a roadmap indicating that these facilities will be operational by 2027.
According to the announced plans, the project includes 500 MW of “reliable and sustainable” IT capacity, with another 300 MW allocated for future expansion. This figure is significant: in industry terms, it implies projects designed for high densities and scenarios where Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a “use case” but drives the building’s design, electrical architecture, and cooling strategy.
From “where” to “why”: location, energy, and connectivity
The site selection maps out two complementary logics. On one hand, points near major connectivity hubs and demand centers (such as around Madrid, where Pinto and Guadalajara fit). On the other, areas with energy potential and available land (like Extremadura with Badajoz and Cáceres), plus an enclave in the north (Zamudio) and a project in Galicia, emphasizing geographic diversification of capacity.
In these developments, location is no longer just about “being close to clients,” but about a more complex equation: electric capacity, connection timelines, redundancy, access to fiber, and proximity to PoPs (Points of Presence) and exchange nodes. Both the company and its advisors underline Spain’s strategic position thanks to its energy infrastructure, connectivity, and competitive costs.
JLL joins as advisor in a market moving at supercycle speed
The project will benefit from JLL’s expertise, which will provide its global platform to optimize design, commercialization, and connection to energy and data corridors. Practically, this type of support aims to achieve two main objectives: accelerate time-to-market and make the plan bankable for investors and clients — particularly when dealing with campuses designed for high-density loads.
This move comes at a time when several reports forecast structural sector growth: JLL estimates global data center capacity could nearly double from 103 GW to 200 GW by 2030, driven by AI, with a significant part of infrastructure oriented toward these workloads. The same analysis framework discusses a supercycle of investment potentially reaching around $3 trillion over the next five years, combining real estate value creation and new debt financing.
800 MW is not just a number: it’s a reflection of the energy reality
In operational terms, talking about 800 MW requires looking beyond the data center’s rendering. The industry is reaching a limit that is no longer technological but energy and infrastructure-based: substations, lines, permits, timelines, and supply guarantees. In this context, an important statement from the announcement carries weight: these projects have secured land and electrical supply.
This phrase typically marks the line between an aspirational plan and a realistic development capable of meeting competitive deadlines. The race for available power today is the bottleneck determining which markets will capture demand from large computing consumers.
A bet on AI… and on Spain’s role in Southern Europe
The narrative from Nostrum and JLL aligns with a growing idea in the sector: Spain as a future connectivity hub for Southern Europe, supported by its geographical position, international connectivity, and an energy foundation capable of supporting growth.
For the local ecosystem, the message is clear: if these developments proceed on schedule, they can serve as a “magnet” for high-value digital services, from interconnection and cloud services to AI training and inference capabilities. But it also raises a challenge: energy planning, administrative coordination, and sustainability standards must match the scale of these announcements, because a hub’s credibility depends as much on installed capacity as on regulatory and operational predictability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “500 MW of IT capacity” versus “800 MW of scheduled power” mean?
The IT capacity (500 MW) generally refers to the power dedicated to run computing and IT equipment (servers, networks, storage). The scheduled power (800 MW) may encompass the entire project and its electrical planning, including margins, expansions, and total power committed at campus and phase levels.
Why is Artificial Intelligence driving high-density data center projects?
Because AI workloads require significant computing per square meter, with peak power consumption and thermal needs surpassing traditional IT. This necessitates more robust electrical and cooling designs and, crucially, access to abundant power within short timeframes.
What role does JLL play as an advisor in these developments?
Usually, JLL helps to optimize design, structure sales and marketing, and connect the project with market players (clients and investors), while bringing methodologies and benchmarks to speed up time-to-market in environments where timelines are critical.
Why is Spain frequently mentioned as a “connectivity hub” for data centers?
Due to a combination of factors: its geographic location, international connectivity, proximity to PoPs and internet exchange points, and an attractive cost environment compared to other European markets, as highlighted by industry stakeholders.
via: eleconomista