Sánchez proposes rules for data centers in Spain — Korea Herald
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a proposed regulatory framework for data centers that includes energy- and water-efficiency standards, as well as requirements to ensure that additional electricity consumption is covered by new renewable capacity. In August, the Spanish government launched a public consultation on the proposal, Sánchez said in an op-ed published by the Korea Herald.
According to Sánchez, access to the electricity grid is a limited strategic resource and should not be blocked by projects that lack sufficient viability or a meaningful contribution to the economy and society. He noted that data centers will have to disclose key indicators so that authorities can assess and compare their use of resources and curb waste.
Electricity demand
As Sánchez noted, estimates of electricity demand for computing capacity in Spain by 2030 reach 4 gigawatts. At the same time, applications and permits already granted for such facilities exceed this benchmark several times over. Some projects may not be implemented, but the upward trend is clear, in his assessment.
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The proposed rules stipulate that increases in electricity consumption by data centers must be accompanied by additional renewable energy capacity. A significant share of these facilities’ electricity consumption is to be supported by newly built clean energy projects.
Experience of other countries
In his op-ed, Sánchez cited Ireland as an example, where data centers accounted for 21% of total electricity consumption in 2023, and their share could rise to 32% this year. In the United States, according to the figures he cited, data centers’ share of electricity demand could increase from 4% in 2023 to a projected 12% in 2028.
The prime minister also referred to a University of Cambridge study on the “data center heat island effect,” under which large facilities can raise temperatures in nearby areas. Sánchez stressed that the goal of the proposed regulation is not to curb innovation, but to ensure its economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development.
