Microsoft to build new data centre hub in Spain
US tech giant Microsoft has announced plans to invest €6.69 billion over the next decade to establish a significant new data center hub in the Aragon region of Spain.
The investment involves constructing cloud computing data centers on a site near the city of Zaragoza, as confirmed by the regional government.
This announcement follows Microsoft’s recent disclosure of a €2.1 billion investment in data centers in the Madrid area last month. Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure initiatives in Spain are projected to contribute over €10.7 billion to the national GDP and create nearly 77,000 new jobs by 2030.
“Microsoft’s data center infrastructure in Spain will be crucial for our European AI strategy,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, Microsoft’s president of national transformation partnerships. “This new cloud region will foster economic growth for our customers and partners.”
The investment decisions highlight how Aragon, and its capital Zaragoza in particular, is emerging as a cloud computing hub within Europe. As Alberto Granados, Microsoft’s Spain manager, noted: “We are committed to supporting Spain…by delivering a data centre infrastructure that provides the most innovative cloud and AI services.”
Zaragoza’s strategic location halfway between Madrid and Barcelona makes it an ideal logistics hub, said Joan Ral Gene, CIO of steel firm CELSA Group who welcomed the investment. He said: “The new Microsoft Cloud Region allows us to deploy services within the same region and reinforces data security and sovereignty.”
Aragon’s regional minister for digital transformation, Mayte Perez, added: “This investment endorses our digital strategy and underlines our vision as a leader in sustainability and technology.”
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.