Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a substantial investment of $17 billion to bolster its cloud and AI infrastructure services in Spain. The focus of this expansion lies in the Aragón region of northeastern Spain, where AWS plans to create 6,800 jobs spanning various roles including construction, engineering, and facilities maintenance.
According to AWS, this infrastructure expansion initiative is expected to inject $24 billion into Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP), with more than half of this economic contribution stemming from the Aragón region. Additionally, it is anticipated to support 17,500 jobs in local businesses.
José Luis Escrivá, Spain’s minister for digital transformation and the public service, expressed enthusiasm over AWS’s decision, positioning Spain as a frontrunner in technology innovation and AI within Europe. He emphasized the country’s capability to nurture technology talent and generate quality jobs in the long run.
This move by AWS aligns with its strategy to meet the escalating demand for cloud and AI services, echoing similar infrastructure expansion plans in Singapore announced previously. The company's commitment to Spain builds upon its 2021 initiative to invest $2.7 billion in the country.
The Spanish government is actively working to establish the Aragón region as a burgeoning tech hub, with notable local entities such as Telefónica, Insud Pharma, and the Spanish Red Cross already leveraging AWS services. Jorge Azcón, president of the Aragón regional government, hailed AWS’s significant local impact, positioning Aragón as a focal point for innovation and the cloud economy in Europe.
Since 2022, AWS’s data centers in Aragón have operated on 100% renewable energy, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. AWS has further pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and has implemented technology to monitor and conserve water resources, returning unused water to the local supply for reuse.
Suzana Curic, AWS’s country manager for Spain and Portugal, reaffirmed the company's dedication to sustainability and community engagement, pledging to match the electricity used in its Aragón data centers with renewable sources and explore innovative approaches to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
AWS’s investment not only signifies its commitment to the Spanish market but also underscores its broader mission to drive innovation while prioritizing environmental sustainability and community welfare.
