Box2Bit, a subsidiary of Capital Energy, plans to build a large data center in Málaga, Spain. The Olive Urban project will involve a €279 million investment and create approximately 80 permanent jobs and over 450 temporary construction jobs. The facility will be located on a 17,000 square meter plot in the El Viso industrial park.
The project is expected to significantly boost Málaga's economy. The investment alone is substantial, and the data center is projected to generate an additional €31 million in taxes over its lifespan, leading to a total increase in the city's gross domestic product (GDP) of about €363 million.
The data center's strategic geographic location will allow it to serve as a key data entry point for Southern Spain and Europe. The facility will house powerful servers for data storage, network equipment, and security systems. The building design is optimized for efficient server placement, with approximately 12,770 square meters dedicated to data storage and 2,250 square meters for administrative use. It's also designed to utilize renewable energy sources through solar panels and an on-site substation.
This Málaga project is part of Capital Energy's shift in focus from renewable energy projects to data centers. The company faces challenges due to declining energy prices and financing difficulties. While they have announced similar (larger) data center projects in Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha, these are currently delayed due to ongoing urban planning processes.
The project is expected to create a significant number of jobs. The data center itself will have 80 permanent positions, with over 450 more created during the construction phase. The roles will require professionals with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills.