Spain: 10 GW of data centres by 2030 would raise gas-fired combined-cycle operation by 107%, government warns

The Spanish government warns that an "abrupt" entry of data centres into the power system would have "undesired consequences" for electricity prices and CO2 emissions. The warning appears in the regulatory impact report accompanying the draft royal decree on energy, environmental, resilience and digital sovereignty requirements for data centres, a document cited on Thursday by Europa Press and EFE.

The figures. The report compares a scenario with 10 GW of data centres entering the system in 2030 with one of 1 GW. In the first case, the operation of gas-fired combined-cycle plants would rise by 107%, total variable generation costs by 200% and CO2 emissions by 65%. According to the document, access and connection permits already granted exceed the most ambitious 2030 estimates more than threefold: over 12 GW in the last six years, while the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Strategy estimated computing demand of 3.5–4 GW by the end of the decade.

What the decree provides. Data centres would have to cover 80% of their consumption with new renewable generation, through self-consumption or PPAs of at least six years with plants no older than 36 months, and at least 80% of each hour's consumption would have to be matched by renewable electricity from the same hour; storage is allowed. Non-compliance would bring surcharges on access tolls of between 10% and 500%, with the money returned to the electricity system. For a five-year transition period, operators can join the Automatic Power Reduction System (SRAP), which allows them to be disconnected.

Reactions. The SpainDC association calls for a regulation that is "proportionate, technically viable and aligned with the European framework"; its executive director, Begoña Villacís, said, according to EFE, that the document "is signing the death of the sector". The Community of Madrid has filed objections with the Council of State.

What comes next. The draft was sent to the Council of State for an opinion, requested urgently by 5 November. According to Europa Press, the government wants to approve the decree before the 29 November elections.

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