The Minister of Digitalization, Miguel López-Valverde, emphasized the region's leadership in this sector during his visit to the El Atazar reservoir. López-Valverde refuted claims that data centers threaten Madrid's water reserves, calling them a "technically false generalization" and defending the sector's evolution towards more sustainable digitalization.
According to the minister, technological investment in Madrid focuses on responsibility and sustainability. New data centers employ advanced cooling systems that have achieved up to a 90% reduction in water consumption thanks to technological advancements, using closed-loop systems or alternative coolants. These centers are crucial for the progress of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI), driving growth, innovation, and employment.
López-Valverde stressed that innovation has transformed the sector, improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. He stated that "it is not rigorous to evaluate state-of-the-art facilities with parameters from decades-old centers," highlighting that digital capacity can increase while minimizing the ecological footprint.
The region currently has 40 operational data centers and 15 under construction, surpassing European competitors such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, or Paris. The Community of Madrid will continue to promote technological projects that integrate economic growth, innovation, and sustainability, complying with European regulations for greater transparency in resource consumption.
The minister concluded by reaffirming the compatibility between environmental protection and economic development, highlighting the El Atazar reservoir as a strategic resource to be preserved through "innovation, efficiency, and technical rigor."
