Amazon’s cloud computing division AWS has announced a significant investment of €15.7 billion ($17 billion) to expand its data centers in the Spanish region of Aragon, extending its commitment to the country until 2033. This move aligns with AWS’s strategic expansion efforts across Europe, following similar initiatives in Germany and France.
The investment in Aragon is expected to generate approximately 17,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually and contribute around €21.6 billion to Spain’s gross domestic product over the next decade. This reflects the increasing importance of Spain as a center for technological innovation and artificial intelligence within Europe.
The Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Service, José Luis Escrivá, emphasized the significance of AWS’s decision, noting Spain’s role as a key player in technological innovation and its ability to create quality employment in the technology sector. The investment reaffirms Spain’s appeal as a strategic technological hub in southern Europe, driven by factors such as connectivity, favorable climate, and renewable energy sources.
The expansion of AWS in Aragon will receive support from the local government, with 40% of the 6,800 planned jobs to be located in the region. These job opportunities will span various sectors, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the region. Jorge Azcón, president of the regional government of Aragon, praised the impact of AWS on the local ecosystem and highlighted the investment as a milestone that solidifies Aragon’s position as a leading center for innovation and the cloud economy in Europe.
The announcement marked a substantial increase over AWS’s initial investment plan in 2021, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to Spain and its confidence in the country as a technology hub. AWS is committed to powering its data centers in Aragon with 100% renewable energy sources and plans to continue partnerships with local schools and community initiatives to support talent development, education programs, and sustainability initiatives.
Overall, the investment in AWS’s data centers in Aragon demonstrates the company’s dedication to supporting Spain’s growth and its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. This investment will have a significant economic impact on the region and contribute to its position as a key player in the technology sector within Europe.
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https://www.techtimes.com/articles/304921/20240523/amazon-cloud-computing-aws-invest-17-billion-spain.htm
