Spain Proposes 80% Hourly Renewables for Data Centers

Spain is moving toward a stringent draft decree for data centers that would require each facility with 1 MW of capacity to have 80% of its electricity consumption covered by renewable sources in every hour, with loss of grid access for noncompliance. The proposal also mandates that all data and metadata remain within the EU and imposes controls on access from third countries. For new capacity, operators must install or contract for an equivalent 1 MW of renewable generation within 18 months before the data center can begin operation, a rule that could push investment toward storage and more complex power agreements. The government intends to align energy, water, and cybersecurity standards with high efficiency and digital sovereignty, and the plan includes sanctions such as loss of grid connection for noncompliant facilities. Several articles note this is a draft decree awaiting public consultation, part of a broader effort to regulate the data-center boom and avoid regulatory gaps seen in other countries. The policy aims to attract investment while safeguarding energy reliability, sustainability, and national security concerns amid a growing industry footprint in Spain.