Aragon has the capacity to export 51% of the energy it generates

Aragón is capable of exporting 51% of the energy it generates, data centers have been boosting the region's energy consumption over recent years. The region generates 167% of the energy it consumes, enabling it to export to other autonomous communities. Energy is vital to data centers, just as blood is to a human. This was one of the takeaways from the Expansion Data Centers Expansion event, organized by EXPANSIÓN with the support of the Aragon Government, CEEI Aragón, Schneider Electric, Endesa, and Consolis Tenyconta.

As a result, Aragón has led Spain in energy consumption and generated 51% more than its consumption. Yolanda Vallés Cases, General Manager of Energy and Mines for the Aragon Government, stated that the ecosystem of Aragón has captured these data centers, leading to a significant economic and energy transition. Total energy consumption has increased by 6% to 7% in the last year.

Pedro Machán, President of the Aragon Energy Cluster and President of Atalaya Generation, explained that data centers have become a backup system for the region, no longer a problem but a solution with proper control. Josè Ignacio Lallana, Redeia's delegate in Aragón and La Rioja, mentioned that starting in 2024, consumption will surge, with a significant increase last year due to the arrival of data centers in Aragón.

Aragón is growing in electrical demand far more than nationally, with consumption up 9% last year compared to the 2.9% national average. Ignacio Montaner, Aragon's territorial director for Endesa, emphasized the importance of having a robust transmission network ready for this consumption surge. All experts agree with the Aragon Government's Real Decree aiming for energy sustainability, environmental, and digital resilience and sovereignty requirements in data centers. Orderly rules are necessary, but they should not hinder development, Lallana concluded.