In recent years, Spain has found itself in the spotlight due to the rapid increase in the number of data centers. This surge is directly linked to the growth of artificial intelligence and digital services, which require massive amounts of electricity. Experts are already noting that demand on the country’s power system is growing faster than anticipated, which could have serious consequences for the economy and infrastructure.
According to El Pais, the risks associated with rising electricity consumption were discussed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Forecasts from the International Energy Agency indicate that by the end of the decade, data centers worldwide will consume as much energy as all of Japan. For Spain, this means an urgent need to rethink how its power grids are developed and to implement new solutions to avoid outages and supply restrictions.
Challenges for the power system
Experts note that traditional methods of expanding power grids are no longer adequate for the new demands. Large data centers require not just stable connections, but also specialized engineering solutions. As Cellnex España head Alfonso Álvarez points out, the increasing number of such facilities is affecting the design of the country’s entire energy system. The need to build high-voltage lines and provide backup capacity is becoming ever more pressing.
During discussions at MWC 2026, participants emphasized that energy generation alone is not enough. A comprehensive approach is needed, including the development of microgrids and the implementation of automated control systems. Spirent representative Stephen Douglas noted that the shift to a decentralized model enables a quicker response to changes in demand and reduces the risk of overloads.
The search for new solutions
As traditional energy sources cannot always meet the required volumes, companies are starting to invest in alternative technologies. According to Micaela Martinelli from Telefónica, special attention is being given to the development of renewables and the deployment of small modular reactors. Such installations can provide stable electricity for large data centers without relying solely on solar or wind generation.
In Spain, there are already examples where data centers are building their own power plants to reduce reliance on the main grid. This not only helps increase resilience but also optimize costs. However, experts stress that without effective demand management and the introduction of smart automation systems, the problem cannot be fully resolved.
Automation and flexibility
Another important aspect is the need to modernize energy system control centers. Experts note that only the introduction of smart platforms will enable real-time synchronization of generation and consumption. This is especially relevant for Spain, where the share of renewables in the energy mix is constantly increasing and weather conditions can change abruptly.
According to Axpo Iberia representatives, the key to resilience is flexible demand management. This means operators must not only boost production but also be able to quickly redistribute loads across different segments of the network. Such an approach will help prevent outages and enhance the reliability of electricity supply for all users.
In recent years, Europe has already seen occasions when a sudden surge in consumption led to local disruptions and blackouts. In 2024, Germany and France discussed measures to restrict the operation of large data centers during peak demand hours. Spain has so far managed to avoid such situations, but experts warn that without modernization and the adoption of new technologies, risks will continue to grow. In the coming years, attention to this issue will only intensify, especially amid the continued growth of the digital economy and the rollout of artificial intelligence.
