In an unprecedented move in Spain, Lleida has become the first city in the country to ban the installation of data centers. The decision, driven by socialist mayor Fèlix Larrosa, is based on concerns about environmental impact and the lack of local economic benefits. According to the city council, these infrastructures do not generate enough qualified jobs and consume large amounts of energy and water, resources that are particularly critical in the current context of climate change.
Arguments from the Lleida City Council
The municipal government argues that data centers, used to store and process large volumes of digital information, do not bring significant value to the local economy. Larrosa emphasized that these facilities do not contribute to the economic fabric of the municipality and generate a disproportionate environmental impact. A project in which a company had acquired rural land was even rejected, as the city council refused to change its use.
Responses from the industry: misinformation or reality?
Lleida’s position has drawn criticism from the technology sector. José María Guilleuma, director of data centers at the consulting firm Colliers, describes the city council’s arguments as “misinformed.” Guilleuma highlights that data centers are essential to the current digital economy, and although their energy consumption is high, they are pioneers in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Additionally, he counters the idea that they do not generate qualified jobs, noting that these facilities require highly specialized technical personnel. He even adds that they act as “anchors” to attract other technology industries to the local environment. According to Guilleuma, data centers not only create jobs during their construction but also train workers in areas of high technological demand.
The contrast with Aragón: attraction versus rejection
While Lleida rejects data centers, Aragón positions itself as one of Europe’s most attractive territories for these infrastructures. The Aragonese government has attracted investments of over 33 billion euros from companies like Blackstone, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Box2Bit. Once operational, these facilities will position the region as a leader in data processing capacity, with more than 1,800 MW.
The debate over sustainability and resources
Lleida’s criticisms regarding the environmental impact of data centers are not isolated. In Talavera de la Reina, the Meta data center has generated controversy due to its estimated consumption of over 600 million liters of potable water in a drought-affected region. This project, however, is still moving forward.
Internationally, Chile already rejected a 200 million euro Google project in 2020 due to similar concerns about water consumption. These cases reflect a global challenge: balancing the growing demand for digital infrastructures with environmental sustainability.
A lost opportunity for Lleida?
Lleida’s decision raises questions about missed opportunities for local technological development. While environmental concerns are legitimate, many experts point out that data centers can be integrated sustainably and generate significant indirect benefits. The experience of Aragón could serve as an example for exploring how to balance economic development needs and sustainability in future decisions.
via: Crónica