A small town in Spain battles again construction of a macro data center: ‘It’s a way of kicking us out’

Plans for a large AI data centre near Monfarracinos, in Spain’s Castile and León region, have prompted renewed opposition from residents and farmers. They say the project could affect farmland, water, local ecosystems and quality of life, and accuse the town council of failing to share information. The dispute highlights concerns over whether promised economic gains justify the costs of major data centres in rural areas.

The project, backed by subsidiaries of Edison/EDF and FRV, is expected to cover 33 hectares and estimates 426 jobs, though it gives no detail about the roles. Researcher Manuel García says it would use 2,255 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year, around 330% of current provincial consumption, and estimates annual emissions equivalent to 2% of Spain’s total. Plans also include a gas-fired thermal plant, a solar park spanning land in two nearby municipalities, and a 25-year operating life; García estimates noise could rise substantially, particularly close to the site.