Málaga is making one of the largest technological investments announced so far in Andalusia. The Governing Council of the Regional Government has taken note of the declaration of strategic interest for the project promoted by Saltburn Holding, S.L., to build a data center at the expansion of Málaga TechPark, in the city of Málaga. The initiative anticipates a final investment of €1,257 million and the creation of 710 direct jobs during the construction phase, along with another 254 positions during operation.
The project comes at a time when Spain is increasing its prominence on the European digital infrastructure map. Madrid continues to dominate much of the market, but growth in artificial intelligence, cloud services, and the need for electrical capacity are attracting new investments to other regions. Málaga aims to carve out its own space in this race, supported by its tech park, connectivity, and an institutional strategy that seeks to attract larger-scale projects.
A 100 MW IT Data Center at Málaga TechPark
The infrastructure will be located on parcel C of sector SUS CA-23 “Extension of PTA,” within the municipality of Málaga, covering an area of 71,415 square meters. According to information published by the Andalusian government, the future data center will have a Tier III / Tier III+ classification and will serve storage and processing services, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital connectivity.
One of the most significant data points is its power capacity. The project envisions 100 MW of IT power and an estimated electricity consumption of 150 MW, placing the facility among the largest developments planned in southern Spain. In the data center industry, IT power measures the capacity directly allocated to the computing hardware, while total consumption includes other necessary elements such as cooling, auxiliary electrical systems, and support services.
The declaration of strategic interest does not guarantee immediate construction of the center but does streamline administrative procedures. This resolution is adopted under Decree-Law 4/2019, created to promote economic initiatives by simplifying processes for projects deemed relevant to Andalusia. In this case, the validity of the declaration extends until December 31, 2031.
During the process, reports were gathered from relevant ministries in industry, land use, environmental sustainability, agriculture, culture, and health, in addition to a technical report from the Project Accelerator Unit. All concluded with a favorable stance towards the declaration.
Málaga Aims to Play in the Digital Infrastructure League
The choice of Málaga TechPark is no coincidence. The tech park has established itself as one of the major economic assets of the province, ending 2025 with over 29,000 workers and a turnover of €4,896 million, according to the park’s own data. The arrival of such a large-scale data center would add a layer of critical infrastructure to an environment already home to tech companies, specialized talent, and projects related to semiconductors, software, and digital services.
This move also reinforces a broader trend beyond Málaga. Data centers are no longer concentrated solely in the traditional major European capitals. Land availability, renewable energy, proximity to submarine cables, business presence, regulatory stability, and the ability to process projects quickly are driving operators to explore secondary markets with growth potential. Andalusia, with Málaga as one of its most prominent nodes, is seeking to capitalize on this window.
Execution will be key. A project with a planned consumption of 150 MW requires access to energy, electrical planning, environmental guarantees, cooling solutions, and proper integration with the territory. The data center industry generates investment and skilled employment but also raises questions about energy consumption, water use, urban impact, and the true economic return for the local community.
Therefore, public debate should extend beyond investment figures. The value of such infrastructure depends on how it is built, the energy commitments made, the stable employment it generates, and its capacity to attract additional technological activity. In the best scenario, the data center could bolster Málaga as a digital hub in southern Europe. In the worst, it might remain a large infrastructure with limited ties to the local economy.
Spain Looks Beyond Madrid
The announcement fits within a rapidly expanding national market. Spain’s Data Center Association, SpainDC, estimated in its 2025 Annual Report that the sector could mobilize up to €66.9 billion in direct and indirect investments by 2030. It also forecasts installed capacity growing from 439 MW in 2025 to 2,537 MW in 2030, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation of businesses.
Madrid will continue to be the country’s main hub, but Aragón, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia are gaining visibility. Each region competes with different strengths: land availability, renewable energy, proximity to submarine cables, business presence, regulatory stability, or the ability to process projects quickly.
Within this context, Málaga has an additional leverage: its reputation as a growing tech city. The presence of international companies, the development of Málaga TechPark, and the influx of scientific and industrial projects have enhanced its profile in recent years. The new data center, if ultimately built as proposed, would extend this position into the physical infrastructure supporting the digital economy.
The declaration of strategic interest is an important administrative step but does not eliminate all challenges. Permits, technical planning, electrical infrastructure, construction schedule, and operational details remain to be addressed. The announced investment is significant, and the validity until 2031 allows for phased development.
Málaga has taken a further step toward entering a conversation that until recently was largely focused on Madrid and a few major European hubs. The growing demand for AI and cloud services is reshaping the data center landscape, and cities capable of combining land, energy, connectivity, and talent are positioned to gain influence in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the new data center in Málaga be built?
It is planned for parcel C of sector SUS CA-23 “Extension of PTA,” within the Málaga TechPark expansion, in the municipality of Málaga.
How much does the project involve in investment?
The final announced investment amounts to €1,257 million, according to the information provided by the Andalusian government.
What will be the power capacity of the data center?
The project foresees 100 MW of IT power with an estimated total electrical consumption of 150 MW.
How many jobs could it generate?
The Government estimates 710 direct jobs during construction and an additional 254 jobs during operation.
via: Junta de Andalucía