Amazon’s New Data Center in La Puebla de Híjar: A Game Changer for Teruel
AWS, Amazon Web Services, has officially chosen La Puebla de Híjar, a small town of just 935 inhabitants, as the site for its first data center in the province of Teruel. The multinational giant has secured 70 hectares adjacent to the N-232 highway and aims to begin construction in autumn 2027, as reported by Aragon News.
Why Is This Project Important?
This major project emphasizes the growing significance of Teruel, a province that has long been overlooked on the European technological map. The establishment of a data center aligns with Aragón’s strategy to become a hub for digital infrastructure. The project will have a guaranteed power supply of 100 MW and access to both the Ebro River and the Gaén Canal, alleviating the electrical saturation challenges faced by the metropolitan area of Zaragoza.
Major Financial Injection
According to local media like Teruel Diary, the investment for this data center is projected to be around 5 billion euros. This facility will become the fourth major AWS hub in Aragón, joining existing operations in Huesca, Villanueva de Gállego, and El Burgo de Ebro.
Aragón’s Rising Dominance in Data Centers
Aragón has mobilized over 47 billion euros in investments for data centers, positioning itself to potentially become the third-largest market in Europe for this sector, trailing only London and Frankfurt. A study by the Basilio Paraíso Foundation highlights the province’s capacity for growth and influence in the tech landscape.
Water Supply Concerns
However, the project is not without its challenges, particularly concerning water resources:
- Amazon requires 350,000 cubic meters of water annually for cooling purposes, with plans to source water directly from the Ebro. A backup supply is also needed for sustainability.
- Ongoing negotiations with the Gaén irrigators have been stalled, as they prioritize the region’s water future and resist compromises that could jeopardize it.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The choice to establish the data center in Teruel stems from the region’s favorable energy conditions. The metropolitan area of Zaragoza is hindered by a lack of capacity at electrical substations, making the availability of 100 MW of power via the Endesa network crucial.
Key Factors for Aragón’s Leadership
Aragón has implemented a recruitment strategy based on three pillars:
- Energy Availability: The region has secured electrical capacity for strategic projects.
- Administrative Streamlining: The Declaration of General Interest of Aragón (DIGA) expedites the processing of megaprojects, reducing bureaucratic delays.
- Logistics Infrastructure: The N-232 acts as a vital connector for data centers across the province.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
AWS has already invested over 15 billion euros in Aragón, with the expectation of creating around 6,800 direct jobs. Other companies, such as Microsoft and Forestalia, are also strengthening their presence in the region. Forestalia plans to invest an additional 12 billion euros in three new centers scattered across Magallón, Botorrita, and Alfamén.
Next Steps
The AWS project will soon undergo administrative assessment, with the British engineering firm Arup responsible for finalizing the necessary documentation for the DIGA. However, resolution of the water supply agreement with the irrigators remains a critical hurdle that could delay the project timeline.
Transforming Local Economy
The construction of the data center will profoundly impact the Venta del Barro industrial estate, already a hub employing approximately 1,000 people, bringing further investment and employment opportunities to the Bajo Aragón region.
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