Germany plans 99 new data centres as part of national strategy to double capacity by 2030
The federal plan seeks to double Germany’s data-centre capacity by 2030 after a March 12, 2026 groundbreaking for a Microsoft facility; the ministry published a National Strategy six days later.
Germany has unveiled plans for 99 new data centres as part of a broader national push to bolster digital infrastructure, officials said following a high-profile foundation-laying event for a Microsoft facility. The ceremony took place on March 12, 2026 in North Rhine-Westphalia and was attended by the federal minister for digitization, Karsten Wildberger.
Only six days later (on March 18, 2026) the ministry published the National Strategy for Data Centers, a document that sets out an ambition to double the country’s data-centre capacity by 2030.
Why data centres matter
Data centres host the cloud services where personal and business information is stored, provide much of the computing power used to train artificial intelligence systems, and play a role in transmitting routine electronic messages. In short, modern digital life depends on them.
Government officials emphasise that expanding domestic capacity is about more than technology: it is framed as a component of economic independence, industrial growth and new employment opportunities tied to the construction and operation of the facilities.
Industry observers say the plan will require accelerated permitting, upgrades to power and grid connections, and incentives to attract both international investors and local operators. The government’s timeline aims to achieve the doubling of capacity by 2030.
Supporters argue the push will keep European data flows closer to home and help maintain control over critical digital infrastructure; critics warn of environmental and planning challenges that will need to be addressed as the expansion proceeds.
Photo: press material from the event
