Germany wants new data centres

A majority of Germans appear open to hosting new data centers in their local communities, according to a representative survey conducted by Bitkom, a leading digital industry association. The study, based on responses from 1,006 individuals aged 16 and older, revealed that 66 percent support such projects in principle, with 40 percent expressing strong approval. However, concerns over energy consumption remain widespread, with 88 percent of respondents believing data centers consume too much electricity. These findings highlight the complex balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability that Germany must navigate as it expands its digital infrastructure. The debate surrounding data center expansion is not unique to Germany. In Ireland, official statistics indicate that data centers accounted for 23 percent of measured electricity usage in 2025. By December 2025, a de facto moratorium had been imposed on new power connections in the Dublin area due to capacity constraints. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is experimenting with pilot programs to determine whether AI-driven data centers can reduce their load during periods of high demand. Regulatory discussions are ongoing regarding potential mandatory flexibility requirements for these facilities as part of connection conditions. Despite general support for data centers as essential infrastructure, public perception is shaped by specific concerns related to resource consumption. Eighty-two percent of respondents consider data centers comparable to traditional utilities such as electricity, water, and transportation networks. Seventy-three percent believe Germany requires more of these facilities, aligning with government goals to quadruple computing and AI capabilities by 2030. For 72 percent of participants, it is very or somewhat important that personal data is processed within German data centers, reflecting priorities around data sovereignty, security, and regulatory compliance. However, the location of a data center does not automatically ensure adherence to European data protection standards or guarantee that data is handled exclusively by European providers. Critics often accuse cloud service providers of engaging in "sovereignty washing," a term used to describe misleading claims about data governance and jurisdiction. Bitkom emphasizes the importance of digital sovereignty and calls for measures such as reduced electricity costs, faster network connections, and streamlined planning and approval processes to facilitate the growth of the sector. The federal cabinet's recent adoption of a business tax reform specifically targeting data centers has been welcomed by Bitkom. This move aims to provide financial compensation to local communities through shared revenue from corporate taxes. Such initiatives could help alleviate some of the economic pressures associated with hosting large-scale data infrastructure while addressing community concerns about the impact of such developments. Public interest in understanding the specifics of proposed data center projects appears to be high. Ninety-two percent of respondents expressed a desire for clearer explanations regarding the purpose and necessity of new data centers. While 83 percent claim they have at least a basic understanding of what a data center entails, detailed questions about energy sourcing, backup power systems, cooling mechanisms, water usage, land sealing, and waste heat utilization are likely to take precedence when evaluating individual proposals. This underscores the need for transparent communication and comprehensive information sharing between project developers, local authorities, and residents.