Moncloa backtracks on data centers: softens the decree and 'sneaks in' a lifeline for photovoltaics

The Spanish government has finalized a decree regulating data center installations, easing previous requirements and addressing concerns from various sectors. The updated regulations include a five-year grace period for certain data centers to meet renewable energy demands and allow for more flexibility in sourcing energy from existing solar plants. Additionally, the threshold for compliance has been raised to 10 megawatts, while energy efficiency standards have been tightened. The decree also relaxes digital sovereignty requirements, focusing restrictions on high-security public systems only. These changes aim to support the growing data center industry while balancing energy consumption and renewable integration.