By Razvan Toma · Founder & CEO, Ampervia · Last checked 2026-10-13 · Sources linked below
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. Sources (3)elEconomistaelEconomista — Scranton to build data center at former Iberboard Mill (Feb 2026)↗El NacionalEl Nacional — Scranton seeks partner for Alcover data center↗Tarragona DigitalTarragona Digital — Iberboard Mill Alcover enters insolvency (Aug 2024)↗
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: confirmed and not disclosed
| 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)
- El Nacional — Scranton seeks partner for Alcover data center
- Tarragona Digital — Iberboard Mill Alcover enters insolvency (Aug 2024)
Last checked 2026-10-13. Third-party precedent, not an Ampervia project.