Iberdrola y Telefónica, contra el decreto de centros de datos

Iberdrola España's CEO, Mario Ruiz-Tagle, and Telefónica's CEO, Emilio Gayo, have criticized the draft decree on data centers (CPD) proposed by the Spanish government. The decree has sparked widespread rejection among promoters of these centers, as the demands it includes are considered impossible to fulfill and could lead to a widespread exodus of projects in development to other countries.

Spain DC, the industry's patronal federation, estimates that they might lose up to 90% of their projects in development, amounting to approximately 70 billion euros in investment by 2026.

Ruiz-Tagle, speaking at the La Toja Forum, emphasized that demonizing CPDs makes no sense and urged for attracting their investment to Spain. He noted that these centers will be installed and exist, and if not established in the country, they will be located in their neighborhoods, likely consuming Spanish energy. Ruiz-Tagle called for a regulation that would enable the development of the CPD industry in Spain, which he believes would result in investment, employment, growth, and an improved economy.

Gayo, Telefónica's CEO, disagreed with the government's claim that the energy supply for these CPDs is the main problem. He stated that the current grid is sufficient to meet the need and emphasized that the industry's challenges are more related to regulation. Gayo acknowledged that the draft decree includes elements that make sense, such as establishing order in the sector and fostering sovereignty.

However, he stressed that these regulations must be flexible and warned that some imposed demands could restrict CPD deployment.

The CEOs of Iberdrola España and Telefónica echoed the sentiments expressed by Endesa's CEO, Gianni Armani, and EDP's CEO, Duarte Bello, at the Aelec Congress on Thursday. Both Armani and Bello believe that Spain must recognize this as an opportunity for growth. If this does not happen in Spain, it will happen elsewhere, and the demand for CPDs will be lost forever, as they can be moved to other locations.

Both Armani and Bello warned that imposing barriers is a way to delay the economic development opportunity in Spain and that they risk losing a valuable opportunity.