#Spain #Barcelona #CoreWeave #MERLIN Edged

Barcelona Welcomes a New Era of AI Computing

On May 13, 2025, the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, officially opened a state-of-the-art data center, a collaboration between CoreWeave, Inc. and MERLIN Edged. This facility stands as a pioneering beacon for advanced artificial intelligence technologies in Europe, equipped to host one of the largest NVIDIA Hopper supercomputers.

A Significant Announcement for AI Development

CoreWeave has selected Barcelona not only for its strategic location but also for its commitment to sustainability. The new data center is designed with ultra-efficient operating standards, consuming 100% renewable energy and minimizing carbon footprints. The site is set to deliver a computing power of 10,224 NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core GPUs, interconnected via InfiniBand technology, ensuring optimal performance for both training and inference tasks related to AI.

This reflects an investment worth $2.2 billion across Europe, showcasing CoreWeave's ambition to help establish the region as a cornerstone of AI development. According to the company, the integration of a Blackwell supercomputer is planned for 2026, enhancing the existing capabilities further.

MERLIN Edged’s Role in Sustainable Computing

In partnership with MERLIN Properties, MERLIN Edged focuses on constructing cutting-edge digital infrastructure across Spain and Portugal. Their commitment to sustainability includes creating data centers without water consumption and operating at a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio of 1.15, significantly below the European average of 1.46. This aligns with global sustainability standards set by the Uptime Institute.

The Mayor of Barcelona, Mr. Collboni, emphasized the transformative potential of this asset, declaring it a critical step towards making Barcelona a digital hub in the Mediterranean and a leader in technological innovation across Europe. He conveyed that this infrastructure would address future technological challenges while promoting an enabling environment for similar initiatives.

President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Salvador Illa, pointed out that this collaboration positions Catalonia at the heart of the European AI landscape, strengthening its vision of becoming a powerful AI hub.

Future of AI Computing in Europe

CoreWeave's CEO expressed excitement about the partnership with MERLIN Edged, highlighting the imperative need for expanded computational resources in Europe to drive the next generation of AI applications. The company's vision of coupling sustainable practices with high-performance technology is pivotal in addressing the growing need for advanced computing solutions in the tech industry.

Moreover, Catalonia benefits from a synergistic combination of strong renewable energy resources and a robust fiber connectivity network that facilitates global linkage. This strategic positioning enables not just catering to local demands but also attracting international AI innovators.

Jakob Carnemark, founder of Edged Energy, added that the unique blend of a dense fiber network and abundant renewable energy in Barcelona creates an ideal ecosystem for AI hyperscalers. MERLIN Edged is committed to continuing its innovation journey through ultra-efficient, carbon-neutral data centers, striving to support companies like CoreWeave as they navigate the evolving digital ecosystem.

The Gateway to Global Connectivity

The Barcelona data center is strategically linked to the Barcelona Cable Landing Station, allowing access to some of the fastest subsea cables and establishing a gateway to major international markets. This facility enhances connectivity far beyond the Iberian Peninsula, linking to extensive networks across the Mediterranean region, North America, and beyond.

The expansion plans include further developments in Madrid, Bilbao, and beyond, making the Iberian Peninsula a key area for high-demand accelerated compute solutions essential for AI development. Through these innovations and collaborations, CoreWeave and MERLIN Edged are paving the way for a future where Barcelona stands at the forefront of European technology, fostering an environment rich in sustainability and advancement.

Conclusion

The establishment of this advanced data center represents a significant milestone for AI in Europe. Combining strategic foresight, financial investment, and sustainable practices, Barcelona is evolving into a central player in the global digital economy, leading the charge in AI development while remaining committed to environmental stewardship.