The American tech company Meta has taken a significant step in building one of Europe’s most ambitious data centers: the Meta Data Center in Talavera de la Reina. With a planned investment of €750 million and covering more than 472 acres, this infrastructure not only positions Castilla-La Mancha as a strategic hub in the global digital services network but also reshapes the landscape of European technological infrastructure.
The center, located in the Torrehierro industrial park, 7.5 miles from the urban core of Talavera, is designed as a critical support infrastructure for Meta’s global services: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, among others. Connected through high-capacity fiber optic networks, the new data center will integrate into Meta’s international data center network, enabling smooth digital experiences and low-latency services for millions of users.
According to the project’s informational brief, this facility will be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technologies, including advanced cooling systems and sustainability measures to reduce its environmental impact.
One of the technical milestones of the project has been the commissioning of the 220 kV electrical substation in Calera y Chozas, developed by Redeia (Red Eléctrica), which will supply the data center as well as the future Madrid-Lisboa high-speed line. This energy infrastructure not only ensures stable and adequate power for the facility’s operations but also makes the region a strategic site for future tech and industrial investments.
Talavera’s mayor, José Julián Gregorio, highlighted that this substation is “a major advancement for the arrival of the AVE and the implementation of Meta,” emphasizing the catalyst effect it will have in attracting more companies to the Torrehierro area.
According to a socio-economic impact study, Meta’s data center will generate approximately 250 direct jobs once operational, with over 300 more during the construction phase. The impact goes beyond direct employment: significant boosts are expected in auxiliary sectors such as telecommunications, maintenance, logistics, energy services, and industrial cleaning.
The fiscal impact will also be notable, with an estimated contribution of €137 million in municipal and regional taxes over the infrastructure’s lifespan.
Furthermore, the project foresees public-private cooperation in areas like digital training, technological talent development, and innovation in public services through artificial intelligence and data analysis.
The project’s phased development allows for incremental expansion aligned with demand growth. Its modular architectural design and operational efficiency focus are meant to ensure smooth, sustainable scalability.
The choice of Talavera is strategic. Its proximity to Madrid’s tech corridor, availability of large industrial plots, fiber connectivity, and institutional support make it ideal for hosting such infrastructure. The regional government has declared the project a Priority of Singular Interest (PSI) to facilitate its approval and development.
Additionally, the data center is expected to serve as a magnet for other digital and tech companies, reinforcing an innovation hub in the region. According to municipal sources, land will also be allocated for the future headquarters of the Innovation and Digital Transformation Agency, further enhancing the area’s technological specialization.
In summary, the Meta Data Center in Talavera represents much more than a multimillion-euro investment. It embodies a commitment to decentralizing cloud infrastructure, anchoring computing power within Europe, and catalyzing a new cycle of innovation and economic development in Castilla-La Mancha. If the scheduled timelines are met, its launch will mark a turning point for Talavera and the European tech landscape.
Source: Noticias de Toledo