Significant Investment by Amazon in Spain
Key Insights:
- Amazon is committing €33.7 billion to the expansion of cloud and AI infrastructure in Spain.
- This initiative promises to generate 29,900 jobs each year and is projected to contribute €31.7 billion to the nation’s GDP.
- New logistics facilities in Aragón will provide around 1,800 job opportunities.
- The company plans to allocate €30 million to community initiatives throughout Spain until 2035.
During the MWC26 Barcelona event today, Amazon unveiled its ambitious plan to invest €33.7 billion ($39.8 billion) in Spain. This capital infusion aims to bolster data center infrastructure, enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing capabilities for enterprises across Europe.
This latest commitment adds €18 billion to the previously announced €15.7 billion investment from 2024.
The total projected investment for the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Europe (Spain) Region, situated in Aragón, is anticipated to augment Spain’s GDP by €31.7 billion by 2035.
This expansion will provide approximately 29,900 full-time equivalent jobs yearly in local enterprises, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced employment. Specifically, 6,700 of these jobs will be attributable to Amazon’s direct investments.
These roles will cover various sectors, including specialized positions in data center operations and ancillary support roles such as construction and security personnel. Key stakeholders present at the announcement: Pedro Sánchez, David Zapolsky, Óscar López, and Ruth Díaz.
In addition to the data centers, Amazon is set to establish logistics facilities in Aragón, designed to support its data center operations across Europe. Once fully operational, these new facilities are expected to result in approximately 1,800 job opportunities in the region.
The project will encompass a server manufacturing plant dedicated to assembly and testing, a fulfillment center, and a specialized facility for AI and machine learning (ML) server manufacturing and repairs, reflecting a key aspect of Amazon’s circular economy strategy.
Since its entry into the Spanish market in 2011, Amazon has invested over €20 billion across various sectors, including retail, logistics, cloud infrastructure, and community development initiatives, fostering innovation for consumers and businesses alike.
“As we commemorate 15 years in Spain, this infrastructure investment underscores our unwavering commitment to the nation while being crucial for its digital and economic trajectory,” stated David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer.
“Through our efforts, we aim to enhance Europe’s digital capabilities, expanding cloud and AI infrastructure that businesses harness to drive innovation.
Our investment will generate significant opportunities for the Spanish populace, including high-skilled employment and community-driven initiatives, while advancing water management and carbon-free energy projects. This represents a long-term investment in Spain, and we take pride in our commitment,” he added.
A History of Infrastructure Investment in Spain
The initiation of AWS data centers in Spain began with the establishment of the AWS Europe (Spain) Region in Aragón in November 2022. This region is already catalyzing digital transformation within organizations across Spain, Europe, and globally.
The continued investment seeks to meet the surging demand for cloud computing and AI, expediting their adoption while encouraging the modernization of Spanish and broader European enterprises.
AWS is actively providing cloud and AI resources to public entities throughout Aragón and Spain, including universities, vocational training institutions, and research bodies, empowering the emerging generation of scholars, educators, and innovators.
Organizations nationwide, including Telefónica, BBVA, and the Spanish Red Cross, are utilizing AWS services from the Aragón region to propel their operations forward.
Enhancing Local Communities through Amazon’s Investments
The company has earmarked €30 million for community programs in regions hosting its infrastructure through 2035, targeting education, sustainability, social impact, and local development.
Since 2023, Amazon has supported over 100 community initiatives in Aragón. This includes two Community Funds championing 48 hyperlocal endeavors and partnerships with local football clubs that have engaged upwards of 2,000 children in youth tournaments promoting inclusive sports.
Additionally, Amazon has introduced the Think Big Space initiative in Aragón, a robotics training program that has reached over 7,400 students across 45 schools.
“Amazon’s involvement has been pivotal in stimulating the digital evolution of rural Aragón,” remarked Alberto Alfonso, CEO of Adoptanolivetree.org, a social initiative focused on restoring abandoned olive trees while bolstering local employment.
“Our digitalization project revitalizes the Aragonese countryside by empowering 450 rural entrepreneurs through training and financial aid. This initiative, which originated in Teruel, has now extended across 43 municipalities and has inspired over 550 local students.”
Nationally, AWS has trained over 200,000 individuals in Spain since 2017 to refine their digital skills, enabling them to enhance their careers and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, AWS commits to training half a million students in AI and digital competencies by 2027 through programs like AWS Futuro IA and Amazon Future Engineer.
Dedication to Renewable Energy and Responsible Water Management
Amazon has set a target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. In support of its operations powered by renewable energy and the expansion of local cloud infrastructure, Amazon is investing in 100 renewable energy projects throughout Spain, including seven new solar farms.
Since its establishment in 2022, AWS data centers in Aragón have operated entirely on renewable energy.
AWS aims to achieve water positivity by 2030, returning more water to communities than it consumes in operations. By 2024, AWS had accomplished 53% of its goal.
In Aragón, AWS is financing five water initiatives with an investment of €17.2 million focused on tackling water loss, enhancing supply for local farms, and modernizing crucial water infrastructure.
“Previously, we over-irrigated due to the absence of precise data,” commented Miguel Angel Ferrer, Agricultural Director at Finca El Forado in Aragón, an olive and almond farm. “The AWS-enabled smart irrigation technology transformed our approach.
By analyzing multiple data points, we know exactly when and how much to irrigate, saving approximately 50% of our annual water use. This innovation enhances our harvest while protecting the environment—truly a win-win for our farm and community.”
Advancing Digital and Economic Transformation at the Regional Level
AWS data centers are driving economic advancement by generating opportunities for local suppliers and services, while also creating skilled job opportunities that pave the way for Aragón to develop into a European digital hub.
This investment is poised to bolster the local economy, providing €18.5 billion to Aragonese regional GDP through 2035 and supporting an estimated 13,400 full-time equivalent jobs annually in local enterprises, with 4,200 resulting directly from Amazon’s investment.
ALAN COMMISSIONING, a regional enterprise specializing in data center services, exemplifies the growth spurred by AWS.
“The establishment of AWS infrastructure in Aragón flagged a shift towards specializing in data center services, which has allowed us to expand and grow our team of 65 professionals,” stated Ángel Bernad, COO and founder of ALAN COMMISSIONING.
With this expansion, Amazon will be the first technology company to announce the development of data centers in the province of Teruel, including new facilities in Huesca and Zaragoza, broadening the reach of advanced cloud infrastructure across all provinces in Aragón, while fostering job creation and business opportunities throughout the region.
Source link: Aboutamazon.eu.
