A new data center is set to be developed in Erkrath, a city located just outside Düsseldorf, Germany. Situated within the Unterfeldhaus commercial area on Heinrich-Hertz-Straße, the facility will be built on the site of the former Möbel Flamme furniture store. While specific details regarding the project are still under wraps, the site’s transformation is a significant development for the region.
Site Location and Demolition Plans
The chosen site for the data center is located in a commercially active zone within Erkrath, which provides an excellent foundation for infrastructure growth. The furniture store previously occupying the location will be demolished within this year to make way for the new facility. This transition marks an exciting shift for the area, introducing a state-of-the-art data center in a location with access to key utilities and infrastructure.
Power and Utility Partnerships: Collaborating with Local Authorities
The project has secured essential power and utility agreements with Erkrath’s municipal utilities. This strategic partnership ensures a reliable energy supply for the data center’s operations. A noteworthy feature of the facility’s design is the planned use of waste heat for district heating, a move aimed at bolstering the city’s sustainability efforts.
Waste Heat Utilization for Decarbonization
In line with global sustainability efforts, the data center’s waste heat will be harnessed for district heating, providing warmth to local homes and businesses. This initiative plays a vital role in the city’s decarbonization strategy. Erkrath’s municipal officials, including Mayor Christoph Schultz, emphasize the positive impact of this project on the region’s carbon footprint and energy efficiency.
Investment in the Local Power Grid
The Erkrath municipality has committed to investing in the local power grid to accommodate the energy needs of the new data center. This upgrade will also facilitate the efficient use of waste heat, enabling the city to optimize its energy consumption. The city plans to explore new energy supply options to maximize the environmental benefits of the data center’s operations.
Regulatory Compliance: Energy Efficient Act
Germany’s Energy Efficient Act, which comes into effect in 2026, will require data centers to demonstrate that at least 10% of their waste heat is reused. This regulation aligns with broader EU goals to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. The new Erkrath data center is set to comply with these requirements, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy use.
Presence of Major Data Center Players in Düsseldorf
Erkrath’s proximity to Düsseldorf, a hub for digital infrastructure, positions the city as an emerging player in the data center market. Nearby, major companies such as Digital Realty, AtlasEdge, WIIT, Lumen, Exa Infrastructure, and Equinix have established a strong presence, highlighting the region’s strategic importance in the digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the expected timeline for the Erkrath data center project?
While specific timelines have not been disclosed, the demolition of the former furniture store is expected to occur within this year, with construction of the data center following shortly after.
2. How will the Erkrath data center contribute to local sustainability?
The data center will utilize waste heat for district heating, which supports the city’s decarbonization goals by reducing reliance on traditional heating methods and contributing to energy efficiency.
3. What role does the Erkrath municipality play in the project?
The Erkrath municipality has been instrumental in facilitating the project by securing power and utility contracts, investing in the local grid, and ensuring that the data center complies with sustainability regulations.
4. Which companies operate nearby in Düsseldorf?
Düsseldorf is home to several prominent data center operators, including Digital Realty, AtlasEdge, WIIT, Lumen, Exa Infrastructure, and Equinix, which underscores the region’s importance in the digital infrastructure industry.
5. What regulations must the data center meet in Germany?
Under the new Energy Efficient Act, data centers operating from July 2026 must demonstrate that at least 10% of their waste heat is reused. The Erkrath facility will comply with these regulations to ensure energy efficiency.
