Spain will push new data‑centre regulations through an emergency procedure ahead
of national elections, with draft rules expected to be submitted to the cabinet
in late October or early November. The measures, aimed at large cloud projects
by Amazon, Microsoft and Google, would tighten requirements on power and grid
connections, including a requirement that data centres use renewable electricity
for 80% of operating hours and demonstrate energy sources on an hourly basis.
The government says the rules are intended to curb rising electricity demand and
prevent cost pass‑through to households and industry. The regulation would not
need parliamentary approval; the CNMC has issued a favourable opinion and the
draft will go to the Council of State for legal review. Industry sources expect
the final text may be softened from the initial proposal.
