Government advances this year with regulation on data centers

The Portuguese government plans to finalize regulations for data centers by the end of the year, focusing on digital transition and renewable energy use. Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that the decree will not mirror Spain's legislation. The Ministry of State Reform is drafting sections on economic impacts, while the Ministry of Environment addresses energy connection costs and renewable energy availability. Companies must utilize renewable energy but are not required to produce it themselves. The decree will also impose water usage restrictions and require a positive environmental impact declaration. Concerns from the left include data usage by foreign states and housing speculation.