Spain is drafting rules that would require new data centres to run on electricity that is matched to renewable generation in real time. The proposal would require facilities to source at least 80% of their power from renewables in every hour of operation.
Under the framework, the requirement is tied to hourly compliance, meaning consumption would need to be met by additional renewable supply rather than averaged over longer periods. Sources also report the rules would apply to larger sites, including those with at least 1 MW of capacity. The proposal is described as stricter than positions previously taken elsewhere, and it would make loss of grid access a potential consequence for failing to meet the standard.
In addition to the renewables target, the proposal outlines other conditions for data centres, including requirements related to water efficiency and broader EU policy goals such as data sovereignty.
