Special Action Project: the urban key to Data Centers in the Community of Madrid

The growth of the digital economy and the energy transition are driving a real race for the development of Data Centers (data centers) in Spain. The Community of Madrid is positioned as one of the main technological hubs in southern Europe thanks to its connectivity, business demand and institutional commitment to digitalization.

However, the materialization of these projects requires overcoming one of the most complex barriers: Urban planning. This is where the regulatory figure of Special Action Project (PAE), a key instrument included in Madrid's urban planning regulations that makes it possible to reconcile uses and accelerate the implementation of technological infrastructures on land not originally intended for these purposes.

What are Special Action Projects?

Los PAE, regulated by the Law 9/2001, on the Land of the Community of Madrid and its development regulations, are a tool that allows authorizing, on an exceptional basis, the implementation of certain activities or facilities of general or strategic interest on land where ordinary planning did not contemplate such uses.

The great news in this regard appeared with the recent Law 7/2024, of 26 December, on measures for balanced development in the field of environment and land use planning, which amends the Land Law, encouraging the implementation of data centers on non-sectorized land using the concept of the Special Action Project, and simplifying the procedure for approving this type of project.

These projects require a Technical-Urban Justification that demonstrates its appropriateness and its compatibility with the objectives of municipal and regional planning. In addition, they must prove that they generate Benefits relevant to the public interest, such as employment, innovation or infrastructure improvement.

For those projects subject to environmental evaluation, it is a processing procedure after obtaining the corresponding resolution on the environmental impact assessment of the project.

Why are they essential for Data Centers?

The model of implementing data centers —which requires large plots, access to energy and telecommunications infrastructures and, often, location on undeveloped or industrial land with restrictions— means that PAE become the most effective urban vehicle for unlocking projects.

Thanks to the Special Action Projects, it is possible to:

• Authorize new compatible uses without the need to modify the general planning.
• Reduce deadlines compared to more complex procedures such as one-off modifications or conventional special plans.
• Align the project with regional strategies, such as digitalization and urban sustainability.

Our experience: strategic urban planning at the service of innovation

At Ideas Environmental we have a Extensive experience in the processing of complex urban planning instruments, standing out in the Special Infrastructure Plans (the other major key and essential instrument for the processing and implementation of data centers and other energy infrastructures in the Community of Madrid).

Our approach combines:

• Comprehensive technical-legal advice at all stages of the PAE.
• Coordination with public administrations and municipal technical services.
• Integration of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria to reinforce the sustainability and social acceptance of the project.
• Optimization of Deadlines and mitigation of urban risks.

In addition, we provide a 360º vision which incorporates environmental compatibility, civil engineering and social strategy, essential elements in the implementation of next-generation data centers.

Are you planning a Data Center in Madrid?

If your company is evaluating options to develop a data center or any technological infrastructure in the Community of Madrid, Ideas MedioAmbiental offers you a 360º tailor-made consulting to ensure that your project is not only viable, but also competitive and sustainable.

Contact us and discover how we can turn urban challenges into opportunities for your project.

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