Spain mandates real-time renewable power for all new data centres

Spain's hourly renewable requirement—not annual averaging—closes a loophole that let companies claim green credentials while drawing fossil fuel power during peak demand. This forces data centre operators to either invest in on-site generation, long-term renewable contracts with hourly delivery guarantees, or accept grid connection denial. Spain's approach is materially stricter than EU peers that allow carbon accounting games. The move reflects a choice to prioritize grid stability over data centre expansion, pressuring hyperscalers to either build captive renewable infrastructure or locate elsewhere.