AI and data centers: a strategic decision for boards of directors

Artificial intelligence is often associated with algorithms, automation, and productivity. However, behind every model lies a physical reality that is becoming increasingly strategically important: data centers.

This was one of the key messages from the breakfast event organized by Chapter Zero Spain in partnership Herbert Smith Freehills, where experts from the regulatory, energy, and technology sectors discussed the implications of AI’s growth for corporate governance.

The discussion highlighted that data centers data become critical infrastructure where sustainability, operational resilience, technological sovereignty, and economic competitiveness converge .

One of the main challenges identified is the rapid evolution of framework . At the European level, the Energy Efficiency Directive already requires operators to report on indicators related to energy consumption, water use, renewable energy, and the reuse of waste heat. However, the sector anticipates a shift toward requirements efficiency requirements and sustainability standards that could influence future authorizations and investments.

Added to this is the development new regulatory requirements in Spain, which could include increasingly strict efficiency criteria for obtaining licenses and electrical connections.

In fact, availability and access to the network were identified as one of the main bottlenecks hindering the sector’s growth. Beyond the demand for digital services, the ability to deploy new infrastructure will depend on the speed of the permitting process, energy planning, and the legal certainty provided by the various regions.

Participants also emphasized the need to approach sustainability from a broad perspective. Although most operators already use renewable energy and continue to improve their efficiency metrics, challenges remain regarding management , facility cooling, and the need to develop increasingly efficient technologies.

Operational resilience was another major topic at meeting. Extreme weather events, potential power outages, and supply chain disruptions make it essential to strengthen planning, system redundancy, and incident response capabilities.

Finally, the discussion turned to a core topic boards of directors: digital infrastructure is no longer merely a technological decision. It is a strategic decision that affects competitiveness, business continuity, data sovereignty, and organizations’ ability to adapt in an increasingly digital environment.

The conclusion was clear: the future of AI will depend not only on algorithms, but also on the ability to build, maintain, and sustainably manage the infrastructure that makes it possible.