DC Power Talks continues to bring you the industry's most influential voices with this series of exclusive interviews with leaders who are defining the future of the industry. Throughout the year, we will explore key topics such as sustainability, infrastructure expansion, AI adoption and investment strategies.

In this installment, we talk to David Blázquez, Head of Public Policy Infrastructure, Energy & Sustainability at AWS Spain and Portugal, to learn how the company is leading the expansion of digital infrastructures in the Iberian region, balancing growth with sustainability and strengthening collaboration with the public sector. AWS is committed to renewable energy, operational optimization through AI and the development of technological talent to drive a more resilient and efficient future in the data center sector.

AWS has been expanding its infrastructure in Spain and Portugal. What are the key factors that have driven this expansion in the region? How do you see the future of the industry in the Iberian region in terms of investment and infrastructure deployment?

Key factors that have driven the expansion of AWS in Spain include the availability of renewable resources, the support of public administrations, local talent and a solid business fabric. In addition, the strategic location and confidence in the streamlining of permits by the authorities have been decisive. As for the future of the sector in the region in Iberia, continued growth in investment and infrastructure deployment is expected, with Aragon consolidating its position as an international technology hub. The arrival of other large technology companies reinforces this trend.

With the growth of AI and the demand for more data centers, how does AWS balance the need for more capacity with sustainability? What do you see as the biggest challenges in the transition to renewable energy in Spain and Portugal?

AWS balances the need for more capacity with sustainability through several initiatives: operating with 100% renewable energy (as is already the case in Aragon), investing in clean energy projects, designing more efficient equipment such as the AWS Graviton4 chip, and optimizing water use through advanced technologies. In Spain and Portugal, the biggest challenges for the transition to renewable energy include ensuring adequate energy infrastructure and maintaining collaboration between companies and governments to encourage sustainable investments.

In terms of collaboration with public administrations, what role does AWS play in the development of more sustainable and resilient digital infrastructures?

AWS plays a key role in the development of sustainable and resilient digital infrastructures by working closely with public administrations. For example, in Aragon, AWS has worked on projects such as water leak detection through machine learning and water reuse for sustainable irrigation. It also participates in initiatives such as the Aragon Energy Cluster (Clenar) to promote energy sustainability. These collaborations not only reinforce AWS's commitment to sustainability, but also support local communities and promote economic development.

AWS has pioneered the use of technologies such as AI to improve operational efficiency. How is AI impacting the management of AWS data centers?

Artificial intelligence is transforming the management of AWS data centers by optimizing operations and improving energy efficiency. For example, AWS uses AI to analyze real-time data, optimize cooling systems and detect water leaks. In addition, tools such as Amazon SageMaker enable the development of machine learning models that help predict and manage energy consumption, reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

What emerging technologies do you think will transform the data center industry in the next five years?

Emerging technologies that could transform the industry in the next five years include artificial intelligence, more efficient chips such as the AWS Graviton3, advances in energy storage, edge computing solutions and new sustainable cooling techniques. These innovations will enable data centers to become more efficient and environmentally friendly.

How is the relationship between edge computing and big data centers in the AWS cloud evolving?

Edge computing complements large data center infrastructures by bringing data processing closer to the points where it is generated, reducing latency and improving the user experience. AWS drives this relationship through services such as AWS IoT Greengrass, which extends compute and analytics capabilities to the edge, while using the cloud for centralized storage and management. This enables efficient integration between edge and cloud data centers, especially in critical applications such as autonomous vehicles or advanced manufacturing.

The talent shortage in the industry is a key challenge. How is AWS addressing the training and retention of professionals in Spain and Portugal?

AWS addresses the technology talent shortage through education and training programs. Since 2017, it has trained more than 200,000 people in digital skills in Spain and has initiatives such as the AWS Tech Alliance, which collaborates with more than 450 vocational training centers and 70 universities to close the digital skills gap. In addition, programs such as AWS re/Start train unemployed people in cloud skills, connecting them with potential employers. In Aragon, AWS also collaborates with local schools and universities through initiatives such as Think Big Space, focused on STEAM studies.

What message would you like to send to Data Centre World attendees about the future of the industry and AWS' role in it?

AWS sees a promising future for the data center industry, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and public-private collaboration. Its commitment to renewable energy, local talent training and digital transformation positions AWS as a leader in developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure. For Data Centre World attendees, the message is clear: the future of the industry will depend on the ability of companies to balance innovation with sustainability, and AWS is poised to lead this change.