An unnamed investor is eyeing the development of a significant data center campus in Gangelt, located in the district of Heinsberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The proposed site, spanning 20 hectares, is situated along the L47, adjacent to an existing industrial area on the outskirts of Gangelt. The investor’s plan includes constructing up to 13 buildings, each covering 6,300 square meters (67,813 square feet), making the campus a major addition to the region’s infrastructure.
Campus Features and Power Considerations
The data center campus is projected to be equipped with a dedicated substation, ensuring a stable power supply for the operations of the multiple buildings. However, the investor is taking a cautious approach by first assessing the site’s energy requirements and confirming the adequacy of the power infrastructure. This evaluation is crucial for the project’s success, as it ensures that the campus can handle the substantial energy demands typical of modern data centers.
Local Approval and Community Impact
In December 2024, the Gangelt town council gave the green light to a specialized zone called the “Data Center Industrial Park.” This zone, located west of Gangelt, will accommodate the proposed campus behind the local construction yard and fire department along the L47. The council’s approval signifies the community’s readiness to embrace new technological developments, which could lead to increased economic opportunities for the town.
Sustainable Potential for Excess Heat Recovery
Local officials are exploring ways to incorporate sustainability into the project. Mayor Guido Willems has suggested that the data center’s excess heat could be repurposed for use within the town, potentially providing a local source of energy. This aligns with broader trends in the industry, where data centers are increasingly being designed to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing operational efficiency.
Timeline and Public Presentation
The investor plans to provide a comprehensive presentation of the data center campus project in early 2025, offering more detailed information regarding its scope, impact, and timeline. This presentation will address any outstanding questions about the development and give the public an opportunity to learn more about the planned initiative.
Gangelt’s Strategic Location and Regional Connectivity
Gangelt’s proximity to both Germany and the Netherlands makes it an attractive location for international data center projects. Situated approximately 75 kilometers west of Cologne, the town benefits from excellent transportation and connectivity options, positioning it as an ideal hub for data storage and computing services that require access to both countries’ markets.
FAQ Section
What is the size of the proposed data center campus in Gangelt?
The campus will span a 20-hectare site, and each of its 13 planned buildings will cover 6,300 square meters (67,813 square feet).
What infrastructure will be included in the project?
The campus will feature a dedicated substation to support the power needs of the data center buildings, ensuring reliable energy delivery.
When is the investor expected to present more details about the project?
The investor plans to publicly present the project details in the first quarter of 2025, addressing key considerations such as power supply and project scope.
How will the local community benefit from the data center?
The local community could benefit from the potential reuse of excess heat from the data center, which may be used for heating purposes within Gangelt.
What makes Gangelt an attractive location for a data center?
Gangelt’s location near the German-Netherlands border and its good connectivity to major regional markets make it a strategic site for data center development.
