The expansion of data centres in Spain is progressing in parallel with the increase in demand for digital storage, advances in artificial intelligence, the deployment of 5G and the growth of cloud services. According to data from the Spain DC Association, this demand is expected to increase by 90% by 2028, with a projected total investment of €58 billion by 2030.
In this context, companies specialising in construction solutions, such as Molins, underline the need to adapt the design and execution of these infrastructures to the operational demands they require. Among the key elements, technical flooring plays an important role, although it usually receives less attention in the initial phases of the project.
The surfaces on which the equipment is installed must meet a number of strict technical requirements. These include the ability to prevent the build-up of static electricity by means of conductive or dissipative materials, which reduces the risk of discharges that can affect servers. High compressive strength is also required, given the concentrated weight of the machines, as well as compatibility with cooling systems, facilitating efficient airflow.
Other factors to consider are fire resistance, surface stability, ease of cleaning and absence of particulate emissions, which are essential to protect sensitive electronic equipment in controlled environments.
In addition, installations located on ground floors may be exposed to high concentrations of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive element that can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Molins' technical department points out that the use of anti-radon certified materials can help to reduce this risk and maintain safer conditions for personnel.
‘Spain has a unique opportunity to lead the European digital revolution thanks to its connectivity, its geographical position and its renewable potential. But for that leadership to be real, we need infrastructures that are up to the challenge. And that starts, literally, from the ground up,’ says Juan Antonio Reyes, Head of Flooring Sales at Molins Construction Solutions.