Pure Data Centres receives planning approval for €400m data centre and substation in Madrid
Supporting Madrid's digital growth, energy resilience, and skilled job creation
Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), the designer, developer, and operator of hyperscale cloud and AI data centres, has received final planning approvals for Phase 1 of its €400 million Madrid data centre and private sub-station. With a total potential campus capacity of 70MW, Phase 1 will see the development of a substation and 30MW data centre.
This major infrastructure investment is set to play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s digital growth and energy resilience. As well as the Euro investment by Pure DC, the development will provide over 400 jobs during construction, driving demand for skilled roles and utilising local companies wherever possible. Once complete, the data centre will provide over 50 permanent skilled jobs including engineers, maintenance, security, and administrative staff. The project will also improve local electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
Situated within hyperscale availability zones, and in a constrained market for land and power, work on Pure DC’s site (MAD01) is anticipated to begin this month (November 2025). Work will initially focus on installation of high-voltage power lines from the Iberdrola Power substation along with construction of MAD01’s private substation.
Pure DC’s private substation will incorporate Siemens Blue Switchgear GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear). Blue switchgear replaces traditional, highly polluting insulating gasses with zero harm greenhouse gasses, zero toxic decomposition products and zero safety requirements during handling and maintenance. Pure DC’s Meco substation will be one of Spain’s first substations to incorporate GHG-free switchgear and reinforces Pure DC’s commitment to delivering modern, efficient, environmentally responsible digital infrastructure.
“This license approval highlights the constructive dialogue and collaboration between Pure DC and our City Council. The project not only reinforces our city's position as a technology hub but marks a mutual achievement that will boost employment and the digital future of our region.”
Pure DC anticipates the substation will be completed by early 2027 with subsequent construction of the data halls. High density data halls will be developed which are based on a modular design for efficiency, predictability, and speed of delivery. The data halls will offer flexibility for future customer requirements, offering either air-cooled or liquid-cooled compute solutions. Both cooling approaches use closed-loop systems maintaining zero water use in operation.
“Like many major European cities, Madrid’s demand for digital infrastructure far out-strips the supply coming online. Pure DC’s ability to bring on new low-latency, high-quality capacity in such supply constrained locations demonstrates our capability to deliver compelling partnerships for local authorities, potential customers, and our supply chain,”
Pure DC is committed to working with local communities near current and future operational locations. In Madrid, Pure DC aims to replicate programs running in its other projects, including working with local schools and universities to provide training, career guidance, and outreach programs, supporting local charitable organizations, and working with community partners on environmental conservation projects.