The Spanish government is moving to approve a new data centre decree this October as part of its broader IA360 roadmap.. however, the industry group SpainDC warns that this regulatory push could jeopardize up to 90% of the €67 billion in projected investments through 2030.
The €67 billion investment at risk from Madrid's October decree
Spain is attempting to establish a formal legal framework for artificial intelligence infrastructure through a contested decree scheduled for approval this October. According to the report, the industry group SpainDC warns that the current draft could threaten between 80% and 90% of the €67 billion in new investment expected for the sector by 2030. this tension highlights a growing rift between national regulatory ambitions and the capital requirements of global tech infrastructure.
The decree is currently in a comment-review phase following the close of public consultations on 10 September. Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that stricter technical, environmental, or grid-access conditions would make large-scale projects significantly harder to finance or build.
A 2.5 gigawatt demand forecast vs. surging connection requests
The central dispute between the Spanish government and data centre operators revolves around the country's electricity grid capacity. While operators seek expanded access, the government maintains that connection requests already exceed its 2.5 gigawatt effective demand estimate for 2030. As reported by the source, Madrid argues that accommodating every request would necessitate expensive grid reinforcements, the costs of which would ultimately be passed on to all Spanish consumers.
The AESIA safety institute and the broader IA360 roadmap
Spain's regulatory move is part of a wider effort to integrate artificial intelligence into the national economy through the IA360 roadmap. This comprehensive plan includes the establishment of a new AI Safety Institute within the agency AESIA and a new Scale-Up Law designed to extend the seven-year age limit for deeptech companies. By attempting to regulate data centres now, Madrid hopes to create a predictable environment, yet the industry warns this could inadvertently make Spain the most restrictive market in the European Union.
The roadmap also includes an October pilot of a quantum cyber shield for the financial sector and plans to bring AI into secondary and vocational education. These measures aim to reach a goal of 50 unicorns by 2030, though the eligibility terms for such scaling remain subject to ongoing design.
The 5 billion euro gigafactory and its tight 2027 timeline
Madrid is banking on a massive AI computing gigafactory to anchor its position as a European technology leader. This project aims to utilize 5 billion euros of public-private investment and deploy 100,000 AI accelerators by the 2028-2029 period, supported by 719 million euros in public funds. However, the government's goal to begin construction in February 2027 leaves a very narrow window for securing land, power, and the necessary regulatory approvals.
Will the IA360 roadmap survive the EU Commission's 2027 decision?
Significant uncertainty remains regarding how much the decree will change following the hundreds of sector comments submitted during the consultation period. it is currently unclear if the Spanish government will include the fast-track conditions necessary to prevent capital from fleeing to more permissive EU markets. Furthermore, the source notes that the EU Commission is not expected to make a decision on the gigafactory call until early 2027, leaving the project's ultimate viability in a state of flux.
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