# Alcover, Tarragona: a bankrupt paper mill, power first, partner second

> After the Iberboard paper mill in Alcover entered insolvency in 2024, its majority shareholder, Scranton Enterprises, launched Iberdata: **phase 1 secures more than 20 MW** so the project qualifies as strategic in Catalonia, **phase 2 brings in a partner** to design, build and operate the data center, with construction expected to take 2–3 years after the partner signs.

Third-party precedent · Spain · In progress · Pathway: Partner enters before ready-to-build · Last checked 2026-10-13 · https://ampervia.com/case-studies/alcover-paper-mill-two-phase/

## Timeline

| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Aug 2023 | Layoffs announced at the mill. |
| Jul 2024 | Insolvency declared by the Tarragona commercial court. |
| Feb 2026 | Scranton announces Iberdata: secure >20 MW first, then find an industrial partner. |
| Next | Partner search; 2–3 years of construction after signing. |

## What changed between entry and exit

- Kept the land while other mill assets are sold.
- Targeted the 20 MW threshold that unlocks Catalonia’s strategic-project fast track.
- Plans to bring in an operator partner rather than build alone.

## Capital and counterparties

Scranton funds phase 1 (power); a partner is sought to fund and operate the build.

## Economics

| Item | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / book value | Not disclosed |  |
| Target capacity | >20 MW (phase 1) | Strategic-project threshold |
| Exit or partner terms | Not yet agreed |  |

## Risks and limitations

- Power is not yet confirmed; under RDL 7/2026 the request must be for a data center.
- No partner signed; timetable depends on it.

## Relevance to Ampervia

The same two phases as Ampervia’s model: secure power on a brownfield site, then bring in the capital and operator for the build.

## Sources

- [elEconomista — Scranton to build data center at former Iberboard Mill (Feb 2026)](https://www.eleconomista.es/infraestructuras-servicios/noticias/13768631/02/26/scranton-construira-un-centro-de-datos-en-la-antigua-planta-de-iberboard-mill.html)
- [El Nacional — Scranton seeks partner for Alcover data center](https://www.elnacional.cat/oneconomia/es/empresas/scranton-grifols-busca-socio-levantar-centro-datos-en-alcover_1550135_102.html)
- [Tarragona Digital — Iberboard Mill Alcover enters insolvency (Aug 2024)](https://tarragonadigital.com/economia/iberboard-mill-alcover-concurs-creditors.html)