Spain Proposes Rules Requiring Data Centers To Source 80% Of Power From New Renewables

Spain is preparing legislation that would require data centers of 1MW or more to source at least 80% of their electricity from new renewable generation on an hourly basis. The draft rules, approved for fast-track legislation, would apply only to new data centers and undergo public consultation before taking effect. Operators would need to match each new MW of data center capacity with equivalent renewable generation installed within the previous 18 months. The requirement would remain until Spain’s energy mix reaches 90% renewables.

The requirement could be met through on-site renewable energy, such as rooftop solar, or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Compliance would be assessed hourly, with non-compliant data centers facing higher grid surcharges and potentially losing grid access. Projects already under development would receive a six-month grace period, or three months if awaiting a grid-access tender. The rules would also require data centers to meet the highest European standards for energy and water efficiency.

Although the new rules could slow data center growth, sources told Europa Press that the draft decree does not constitute a moratorium. Spain is seeing rapid data center expansion, driven by available land and strong renewable energy potential. Projects seeking grid connections currently exceed 10GW.