With aspirations to invest 6.69 billion euros ($7.16 billion), Microsoft plans to construct new data facilities in the Aragon region in Spain, which is evolving into a prominent center for cloud computing activities throughout Europe.
The U.S. technology giant Microsoft has reportedly sought approval for constructing data facilities at a site close to Zaragoza, as confirmed by the regional government of Aragon, which underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing the cloud infrastructure in the area.
Microsoft is taking cues from its primary rival Amazon’s cloud computing division AWS by turning attention towards Aragon, following Amazon’s declaration of a 15.7 billion euro investment over the next decade to establish data centers in the region.
According to Amazon, it plans to use renewable energy to power its data centres in the region, which would be cost-effective and huge for the local economy. The Aragon region is a largely untapped resource when it comes to renewable energy. It has large wind power capacity if only it was utilized better.
Zaragoza is the first-largest city in Spain. In recent years, it has become a hub for logistics companies and transportation. As the middle point between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza is also conveniently located from France and the rest of Europe.
With Microsoft and Amazon expressing interest in the area, it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit.