The Catalan government says it plans to invest about €1.5 billion in an artificial intelligence gigafactory proposed for Móra la Nova, in Tarragona province, as part of Spain's bid for one of the European Union's planned AI facilities.

For residents and businesses in the Ribera d'Ebre area, the project matters because it could bring major construction, energy and water infrastructure demands, and long-term technology jobs if the EU selects the site. The Generalitat said the detailed candidacy documents are being finalised and that the project is being presented as a solvent proposal backed by public and private partners.

What the Catalan government has announced

According to the Generalitat, Móra la Nova is the proposed Catalan location for one of five AI gigafactories that the European Union plans to support. The project would be based in Tarragona province, in southern Catalonia.

The government said it expects to mobilise around €1.5 billion for the development. That figure sits alongside other public commitments already linked to the candidacy, including a €300 million EU contribution referenced by EuroHPC and a €300 million Spanish state authorisation tied to the bid.

The Government trusts that Europe will choose the Móra la Nova AI gigafactory project because it is a solvent project, the Generalitat said in its official statement.
  • Location: Móra la Nova, Ribera d'Ebre, Tarragona province
  • Planned Catalan investment: about €1.5 billion
  • Project type: EU AI gigafactory
  • Wider framework: one of five facilities proposed at EU level

Spain's central government and the Generalitat have both backed the Móra la Nova candidacy. Telefónica has also publicly said it is leading the Spanish bid.

How the EU process works and what is confirmed

The European Commission describes AI gigafactories as large-scale computing and data infrastructure intended to support advanced artificial intelligence development. The Council of the European Union has also referred to AI gigafactories and high-performance computing in its policy conclusions.

What is confirmed is that Móra la Nova has been proposed by the Catalan and Spanish governments. What is not yet confirmed is final EU selection. The Generalitat's statement expresses confidence, but the decision rests with European institutions and the relevant programme bodies.

EuroHPC, the European high-performance computing joint undertaking, has referenced a €300 million EU contribution for the Móra la Nova project. Spain's Ministry of Economy has also been linked to a royal decree authorising €300 million for the candidacy.

Why local readers should watch the next steps

If the project moves ahead, nearby residents, commuters and local councils will want to monitor planning decisions on land use, transport access, electricity supply and water demand. Large data and computing sites can have significant effects on local infrastructure.

For businesses, the project could create demand for construction, maintenance, logistics and specialist digital services. For workers and families, any later development phase could affect employment, training and housing pressure in and around Móra la Nova.

What happens next in Móra la Nova

The Generalitat said the bid details would be completed in the coming days so the candidacy can formally move forward. Separate reporting also indicates that a public-private structure has been approved to promote the proposal.

Readers who want to follow official updates should check announcements from the Generalitat, the Spanish government and EU bodies involved in the selection process. For transparency on how this publication handles official and third-party material, see our Source Transparency page and Editorial Policy.

  • Check Generalitat press releases for bid milestones and government decisions.
  • Watch for EU or EuroHPC announcements on shortlisted or approved sites.
  • Follow local council notices for any future planning or public consultation steps in Móra la Nova.

Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya - Govern, European Commission, Council of the European Union, Government of Catalonia (Generalitat). Reported by ARA (News outlet citing official sources), RTVE - Catalunya, Democrata (News outlet), Telefónica, City of Madrid (Ayuntamiento de Madrid), EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Generalitat de Catalunya (via RTVE), Government of Spain (via El País), Government of Spain & Generalitat de Catalunya (via 20 Minutos), Government of Spain & Generalitat de Catalunya (via La Vanguardia), El Periódico (CA).