The Government of Extremadura, in collaboration with MERLIN Properties and Edged Energy, has announced the promotion of two state-of-the-art data center campuses in Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres) and Valdecaballeros (Badajoz). These facilities are positioned as key to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing in Europe, representing a pioneering model of sustainability, efficiency, and public-private collaboration.
Pioneering Projects for Technological Transformation
The campuses in Navalmoral de la Mata and Valdecaballeros, each having 1 GW of IT capacity, are designed to lead the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient digital infrastructure. Both facilities are notable for their innovative design, which eliminates water consumption for cooling, utilizes exclusively renewable energy, and is optimized to achieve a PUE (Power Usage EffectivenessThe PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) index is used) of 1.15, one of the lowest in Europe.
Navalmoral de la Mata: Infrastructure Ready for Takeoff
Located in Expacio Navalmoral, this campus will connect to the Arañuelo 400 kV electrical substation and will feature up to 10 buildings with 100 MW each. Additionally, it will leverage dark fiberIn telecommunications, dark fiber refers to networks linking Lisbon and Madrid, facilitating interconnection with other MERLIN-Edged infrastructures in the Iberian Peninsula, such as data centers in Barcelona, Madrid, and Vitoria.
Valdecaballeros: Transformation of an Old Nuclear Power Plant
The campus in Valdecaballeros will utilize land belonging to the decommissioned nuclear power plant. It will connect to the Valdecaballeros 400 kV substation, although additional infrastructure work will be required in terms of connectivity and urban planning. This project will be implemented in later phases but is already highlighted as an example of repurposing unused industrial spaces.
Sustainability and Cutting-Edge Technology: A Winning Combination
Innovative Cooling Systems
Both campuses will incorporate the advanced waterless cooling system ThermalWorks, designed to dissipate the heat generated by AI applications and advanced computing. This modular system supports densities of up to 200 kW per rack and reduces energy consumption by more than 74% compared to conventional data centers.
Positive Impact on the Region
Extremadura, which produces six times more energy than it consumes, is positioned as a leader in sustainable generation. This project will allow for rebalancing the relationship between energy generation and consumption while promoting the creation of high-skill jobs in construction and operations, also generating an indirect economy that will benefit the entire region.
María Guardiola, President of the Government of Extremadura, emphasized: “This agreement demonstrates that Extremadura has the potential to lead the digital transformation by leveraging its energy resources and showing the world how a traditionally rural area can pioneer new technologies.”
Public-Private Collaboration as a Development Engine
The project is a prominent example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can generate initiatives with global impact. MERLIN Properties and Edged Energy, which already operate data centers in Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria, and Lisbon, will bring their expertise to Extremadura to develop and operate these facilities.
Jakob Carnemark, CEO of Edged Energy, stressed: “We are committed to creating sustainable data centers that drive the digital economy of the Iberian Peninsula. Extremadura is a unique place, with renewable energy resources and connectivity that positions it as a global hub.”
Meanwhile, Ismael Clemente, CEO of MERLIN Properties, highlighted: “This project not only brings technological innovation but also stabilizes the population, fosters quality employment, and strengthens the local economy. We are proud to be part of this transformation.”
Future Perspectives
With the collaboration of the Government of Extremadura, these projects will not only establish the region as a key player in the European digital economy but will also serve as a model for future sustainable infrastructure initiatives. From the development of artificial intelligence to cloud computing, the campuses at Navalmoral de la Mata and Valdecaballeros become strategic pillars for the technological and economic advancement of Spain and Europe.
via: Merlín Properties