What is the strategy that AWS wants to develop in Spain?
Since our establishment in 2022, we see Spain as a region where we can grow significantly and have the ability to serve both local clients and those across Europe, offering a wide range of our services. The region of Spain will be essential for our development in the continent, especially now with generative AI and Amazon Bedrock, which help our clients make the most of advanced technology and put it into practice.
What are the reasons for deciding to come to Spain?
We are very pleased with the growth opportunities in this country, where we have been warmly welcomed by the institutions. Spain, particularly Aragon, has great potential for AWS, given the abundant renewable energy here, aligning with our goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Additionally, the opportunity to expand data centers and access a pool of qualified technical personnel to work in them. All these qualities converge here at this moment.
Is the water consumption of these data centers as significant as believed?
In reality, our data centers are highly water-efficient. In fact, they primarily use water for drinking purposes for the workers. While cooling is required when they heat up, it is part of the natural water cycle; we extract, use for cooling, and then it evaporates, allowing for reuse. We aim to be water positive by 2030, meaning we will return more water than we consume in our operations. Therefore, we engage in projects that help farmers use water more efficiently and promote infrastructure improvements to prevent losses and protect cities from flood risks.
How does AWS address this in other countries?
We have similar projects. In India, we have invested in assisting farmers in areas where our data centers are located, as we have done here in Zaragoza. For instance, in Indonesia, we have worked to ensure residents have access to safe and clean drinking water, as it is not universally accessible. The focus is on tailoring our projects to the population's interests, not random actions.
One of the challenges AWS is facing in its arrival in Aragon is the access to the power grid, given the scarcity of 'plugs' and high demand. How do you expect to solve this?
We feel fortunate and appreciate the close collaboration with the Spanish and Aragonese governments. To access the required energy, we will build our own electrical infrastructure, assuming all costs to avoid reliance on public utility companies or the government. This approach allows us to leverage the abundant energy in this region, and we are optimistic about our continued growth here.
Is AWS in contact with the Spanish Government?
Certainly. We engage in discussions and work towards mutual solutions. We are keen on understanding the priorities and goals of different governments. For example, in Aragon, we learned that a significant portion of the electricity generated is exported, and there is a desire for more local industry to consume it domestically. This environment aligns well with our company.
Does AWS have assurance from the Spanish Government regarding access to the grid?
We have agreements for a certain amount of electricity access and plan for the future, considering our long-term projects. While not guaranteed indefinitely, we have agreements for the capacity we know we need at each stage.
Considering the initial steps of Donald Trump's tariff policy as president, is it compatible to support him in the United States and invest millions of euros in Europe?
Our investments are long-term because our clients will require access to cutting-edge technology for decades to come. We have collaborated with various U.S. administrations. With team members in 42 countries globally, we are prepared for potential government changes. As governments evolve, so do their interests. We adapt accordingly and maintain our perspective of continued investments in Spain and Europe, where businesses (both European and multinational) will continue to operate.
Despite the significant investments made last year, data centers in Spain still seem unfamiliar to the population. What are their real benefits?
The direct economic benefit of our presence here includes land purchases and tax contributions. Additionally, there are direct benefits from job creation, whether during construction or operation phases, by hiring engineers to operate the infrastructure long-term. We are pleased with our local engagement and workforce training projects, having educated over 200,000 students across Spain on cloud technology. This enthusiasm resonates with the national and regional governments, recognizing the potential to build a broader industry that can have a global impact.