The increasing processing needs for artificial intelligence have spurred the development of data centers in Catalonia. These facilities are crucial for daily digital operations and for training new algorithms.
The Catalan Government has identified 26 projects deemed strategic, with a combined estimated power capacity of 2,000 megawatts. Seven priority zones have been designated for their deployment, aiming to ensure the territory's digital sovereignty.
“"The main current obstacle is access to energy because the distribution networks are very saturated."
Despite governmental backing, the sector points to the electricity supply as a significant challenge. The saturation of distribution networks limits access to the energy required for these infrastructures.
Organizations like Ecologistes en Acció (Ecologists in Action) have voiced concerns about potential "energy gentrification." According to activist Agustí Emperador, these centers consume vast amounts of electricity while creating relatively few jobs.
The planned data center in Flix serves as an example. This facility will require an energy consumption equivalent to that of the Seat factory in Martorell, yet it is expected to create only around 150 jobs, compared to over 10,000 at the automotive plant.
