How AWS is Expanding Spain's Data Centre Region?

Amazon plans to invest US$39bn in Spain to expand data centre infrastructure supporting AI and cloud computing across Europe. Announced at MWC26 Barcelona, the plan adds US$20.9bn to the US$18.2bn investment already announced in 2024 for the Amazon Web Services AWS Europe Spain Region.

The investment centres on Aragón, where AWS operates its Spain Region. Amazon estimates the investment will contribute US$36.7bn to Spain’s GDP by 2035 and support an estimated 29,900 full-time equivalent jobs annually across local businesses.

Around 6,700 of those roles come directly from Amazon’s investment, including data centre operations staff, engineers, construction workers and security personnel supporting the facilities.

The company is also planning supply chain facilities in Aragón to support its data centre operations across Spain and Europe. When fully operational, these sites are expected to create around 1,800 jobs.

Expanding infrastructure in Aragón

The project includes a server manufacturing plant where systems will be assembled and tested before deployment in data centres. A manufacturing fulfilment warehouse will manage logistics for infrastructure equipment used across AWS facilities.

Amazon also plans a dedicated AI server manufacturing and repair facility. Servers used for AI workloads rely on specialised processors and accelerators, making maintenance and refurbishment an important part of data centre operations.

The repair facility forms part of Amazon’s circular economy strategy, which focuses on extending the lifespan of technology equipment used in cloud infrastructure.

Amazon has operated in Spain since 2011 and has invested more than US$23.2bn across retail operations, logistics networks, cloud infrastructure and AI systems.

“As Amazon marks 15 years in Spain, this new infrastructure investment reinforces our long-term commitment and will be pivotal for the country’s digital and economic future,” says David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer at Amazon.

“We're supporting Europe's digital capabilities and expanding cloud and AI infrastructure that businesses and organisations are already using to grow and innovate.

“Our investment will create meaningful opportunities for Spanish citizens, including high-skilled jobs and community initiatives, while advancing water stewardship and promoting carbon-free energy projects. This is a long-term bet on Spain and we're proud to make it.”

Power, water and regional ecosystem

Amazon launched the AWS Europe Spain Region in Aragón in November 2022. The data centres support organisations across Spain and Europe running applications, analytics platforms and AI workloads in the cloud.

Businesses and institutions using the region include Telefónica, BBVA, Iberia, Indra, Iberdrola, Mapfre, Multiverse Computing, Idealista, Ibercaja, WiZink and the Spanish Red Cross.

Energy and water management are central to the infrastructure expansion. Amazon has committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 and is investing in renewable energy to power its cloud operations.

Across Spain, the company is developing 100 solar and wind projects, including seven new solar farms. AWS data centres in Aragón have matched electricity use with 100% renewable energy since opening in 2022.

AWS also aims to become water positive by 2030, meaning it will return more water to communities than it consumes in direct operations.

“We used to over-irrigate out of caution because we lacked precise data," says Miguel Angel Ferrer, Agricultural Director at Finca El Forado in Aragón, an olive and almond farm in Zaragoza.

“AWS-powered smart irrigation has changed everything. By analysing 50 to 100 data points, from soil moisture to weather forecasts, we now know exactly when, where and how much to irrigate.

“We're saving up to 50% of our water annually, around 93 million litres, improving our harvests and reducing costs. We waste less water, respect the environment and grow better crops. It's a win for both our farm and our community.”

The expansion also marks the first time a technology company announces plans to build data centres in the province of Teruel, alongside facilities in Huesca and Zaragoza, extending AWS infrastructure across all three provinces of Aragón.