Ferrovial and Microsoft collaborate on European cloud expansion in Spain
A strategic collaboration has positioned Microsoft to lead the design and deployment of a major new cloud infrastructure in Spain. The project involves a network of data processing centers that will anchor a European cloud region, with Ferrovial overseeing the construction. This initiative, confirmed by a Spanish affiliate to Europa Press, aligns with the two companies’ pledge to drive digital solutions across construction, infrastructure, and mobility sectors while accelerating innovation and decarbonization efforts in the economy.
The agreement formalizes an early-year alliance between Ferrovial and Microsoft aimed at advancing cloud-enabled solutions for business and government needs. The alliance reflects a broader commitment to transform operational efficiency and sustainability through digital technology.
Microsoft is moving forward with a plan valued at about 12 billion euros to establish data centers in 17 European countries. The three Ferrovial centers will be located in the Madrid metropolitan area, specifically in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Meco, and Algete, with the facilities intended to host critical cloud services domestically. The locations were reported by Cinco Días and reiterated as part of the European rollout. This development is expected to reshape how Spanish enterprises and public institutions access cloud resources while reducing dependence on external data hubs.
The intent is to create a cohesive cloud region that keeps data within Spain for residents and institutions, reducing latency and improving data sovereignty. By keeping data onshore, the region supports faster service delivery and strengthens European data governance. In parallel, Microsoft is gradually introducing the EU Data Bound service, which enables cloud customers to process and store their data within the European Union for enhanced privacy and compliance.
This cloud region is anticipated to go live in the next year, following the completion of the Madrid-area data centers. The transition will support Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365, widening the scope of cloud services accessible to European users in native data centers.
Sustainability in design
Ferrovial has embraced strict sustainability criteria for the San Sebastián de los Reyes project, earning a Leed Gold certification from the Green Building Council. The design emphasizes energy efficiency and carbon reduction as core advantages over traditional data centers.
Ferrovial brings prior experience from similar builds for major clients, including Telefónica, financial institutions, and other corporations. The collaboration with Microsoft is expected to accelerate ongoing initiatives such as the Aivia smart roads program and the development of digital twins based on Internet of Things technology. These efforts focus on data collection and processing to advance sustainability goals at both operational and enterprise levels, spanning emissions analysis, dynamic business activity tracking, and the creation of transparent carbon and water footprints for reporting purposes.
The partnership also seeks to broaden capabilities in data-driven sustainability strategies, enabling more precise environmental reporting and smarter infrastructure management. Projects underway aim to deliver tangible improvements in efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance, reinforcing the shared objective of a low-carbon digital economy across Europe.