AECOM to Build 500MW AI Data Centre in Spain for Nostrum

AECOM has been tasked with leading the design and construction management for Nostrum Evergreen, a major new data centre campus located in Badajoz, southwest Spain.

The project is under development by Nostrum Data Centers, an affiliate of Nostrum Group, and represents a major addition to southern Europe's digital infrastructure.

With a potential capacity of 500MW, the campus is being constructed specifically to support the rapid growth in AI and cloud services across the continent.

The development is intended to address the increasing requirements for high-density computing.

Gabriel Nebreda, CEO of Nostrum Group, explains the scale of the undertaking: “This data centre in Badajoz will have a total capacity similar to the combined capacity of all current operational data centres in Spain. Furthermore, we have set ourselves a very demanding deadline to start construction of this mega campus next year.

"Achieving this ambition is only possible through strategic partnerships with leading global players in the data centre sector. We are very pleased to announce this agreement with AECOM, one of the most prestigious engineering firms, who have extensive experience in AI gigafactories worldwide."

A multi-phase hyperscale development for AI

The €1.9bn (US$2.2bn) project is structured for a multi-phase delivery. The initial phase will focus on establishing data halls and critical infrastructure with a starting capacity of 150MWe.

A second phase is scheduled to begin in early 2029, which will increase the site’s capacity to 300MWe. The complete design allows for scalability up to 500MWe, accommodating the projected rise in demand for high-density AI computation.

The campus is designed to function as a next-generation facility, incorporating advanced cooling systems and intelligent power management. These technologies are crucial for supporting the sustained high-density workloads associated with GPU-driven AI and other high-performance compute needs throughout Europe.

AECOM to spearhead design and construction

AECOM is set to oversee the design and construction management for the duration of the multi-year programme. AECOM's responsibilities will cover the engineering design for the data halls, power and cooling systems and the broader campus infrastructure, in addition to programme and construction management. The project's scale is consistent with AECOM’s previous work on hyperscale and AI-focused industrial facilities.

Javier Camy, Managing Director for Spain at AECOM, says: “We are delighted to collaborate with Nostrum Group on this project, which will become an international benchmark in data centres.

"At AECOM, we leverage our global capability in highly complex technical projects and our strong position in the sector to apply a transformative approach that ensures a sustainable, forward-thinking solution. This partnership reflects our ability to co-lead initiatives that redefine regions and enhance the global competitiveness of our clients.”

Regional support and infrastructure readiness

The project has received a positive reception from regional leadership, who see it as a key opportunity for local development.

Ignacio Gragera, Mayor of Badajoz, says: “This is very positive news for the city and for the region as a whole. It represents a decisive opportunity for the development of Badajoz and highlights the dedication and strong commitment to our city, something we deeply value and appreciate.”

A major advantage for the project is that it has secured its necessary electrical capacity in advance of the Spanish Electrical Grid Development Plan for 2025 to 2030. This allows the construction to proceed without being delayed by future grid expansions.

Over 200,000m2 of industrial land within a modern business park is prepared for the project, which supports the plan for an accelerated construction schedule.

With permits anticipated by mid-2026, the site is set to elevate the Extremadura region's profile in the European data centre market. The region’s available land, expanding grid capability and connections to wider Iberian digital infrastructure make it an attractive location for hyperscale and AI-ready developments.

As Europe’s computational needs continue to rise, large-scale projects like Nostrum Evergreen could show the demand for purpose-built capacity that can support new AI workloads and ensure long-term power and cooling resilience.