While Europe seeks technological sovereignty, independence from foreign technology, and a way to accommodate its data centers in a system where the electrical grid is saturated, American Big Tech is establishing itself on the ground. Amazon is one of the most aggressive with its expansion of data centers, and Spain, showcasing its energy capabilities, stands out with Aragón as a prime candidate.
Aragón: The Renewable Powerhouse
In short, Aragón has become one of Europe’s renewable energy powerhouses. For years, its energy capabilities have diverted gigawatts to Catalan and Basque industrial centers, but the tables have turned. Now, this region needs that energy for itself—specifically for the incoming data centers.
The Job Impact of Data Centers
Both Aragón and Amazon have long been talking about the impact of these data centers on the local job market. Recent disclosures reveal that six data centers located in Villanueva de Gállego are expected to create a total of 180 direct jobs. This number starkly contrasts with broader promises made and reveals a gap between expectation and reality.
The promises and plans: Amazon, through AWS, is planning to establish a total of 30 data centers across Aragón, including a dozen electrical substations. Areas such as Villanueva de Gállego, Huesca, Walqa, San Mateo de Gállego, and La Puebla de Híjar are earmarked for these developments. During this year’s MWC, Amazon announced an increase in investment from €20 billion to approximately €33.7 billion aimed at expanding their data center infrastructure within the period spanning from 2026 to 2035.
Employment Claims
When discussing employment, Amazon declared that their operations could result in around 29,900 full-time jobs, with 13,400 based in Aragón alone. However, it’s important to note that these numbers incorporate not just direct employment but also jobs that are indirect and induced. Critics argue that this includes even peripheral jobs such as those of a baker supplying sandwiches for construction workers, an inflated statistic at best.
Analyzing Villanueva de Gállego’s Potential
In Villanueva de Gállego, a striking figure is reported: six of the planned 30 data centers will generate just 180 jobs when fully operational. This number, as documented in the Official Gazette of Aragón, indicates that even at maximum capacity, the data centers will employ a relatively small workforce distributed across three shifts to maintain 24/7 operations, raising questions about longevity and stability.
Addressing the Energy Challenge
The energy implications of this expansion are significant. Although Aragón is known as a ‘green battery,’ data centers consume vast amounts of energy, particularly during peak usage. This has prompted Amazon to consider not only renewable sources but also alternatives like nuclear, gas, and even coal power. AWS plans to add more than 10,800 GWh per year, exceeding the community’s current energy consumption. They also aim to bolster their energy infrastructure by building a photovoltaic plant, complemented by a system of batteries and backup generators.
Conclusion: A Complicated Future
While the data center expansion represents a promising investment for Aragón, the actual job creation figures seem modest compared to the broader economic implications. The estimate of 1,800 permanent and direct jobs during the operational phase of these data centers indicates an average of just 60 jobs per facility—far fewer than initially anticipated. As Aragón becomes the locus for technological advancements in southern Europe, the actual operational and employment effects remain to be seen, presenting a complex future intertwined with energy sustainability and economic reality.