Advocacy for an increase in data centers within Germany to uphold digital independence, as put forth by Bitkom.
In a bid to close the technological gap with leading nations like the USA and China, Bitkom, the digital association, has presented an action plan for powerful and sustainable data centers in Germany. The plan aims to expand data center capacity while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability, strengthening Germany's position in the global digital economy [1].
Central to the plan is the need to increase the number of data centers to meet growing demand, particularly driven by technologies such as AI, machine learning, 5G, and IoT, which require advanced, high-performance infrastructure and low-latency edge computing [2].
To ensure environmental responsibility, the plan adheres to strict energy efficiency and environmental regulations under Germany’s Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) 2024. Data centers exceeding certain energy thresholds are required to meet efficiency targets, use a minimum share of reused energy, and progressively transition to renewable energy sources [2].
The plan also maintains compliance with stringent Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) standards and aligns with broader EU directives that enhance transparency and sustainability in the data center sector through efficiency and reporting obligations [2].
Recognizing the challenge of Germany’s high energy costs, the plan suggests regulatory measures like reduced electricity network fees to improve cost-effectiveness for operators [2].
In addition, the plan proposes simplifying, digitizing, and accelerating planning and approval procedures for new data centers, which are currently longer than the EU average [3]. Bitkom suggests an overhaul of the regulatory framework, including harmonizing outdated German peculiarities under the Energy Efficiency Act with European frameworks [3].
The plan emphasizes the importance of creating suitable areas for data centers, integrating them into regional development strategies, and viewing data centers as an opportunity for municipalities [4].
Waste heat utilization can be significantly strengthened through tax incentives for users, better municipal heat planning, and the expansion of modern heat networks [5]. The need for a more digitally sovereign and resilient Germany is emphasized, with data centers being essential for Germany's digital sovereignty and competitiveness [5].
The federal government has recognized the importance of data centers and has announced a data center strategy [6]. A strong and powerful IT infrastructure is crucial for Germany's digital sovereignty and resilience, as well as for the public administration, companies, and private households that all rely on data center services [6].
A national and cross-sector strategy is needed to strengthen Germany's digital infrastructure [7]. With an IT connection capacity of 2.2 gigawatts, compared to the USA's 48 gigawatts and China's 38 gigawatts, Germany is lagging behind in the expansion of necessary data centers [8].
In conclusion, Bitkom's action plan for powerful and sustainable data centers in Germany seeks to foster a sustainable data center ecosystem that balances capacity growth with sustainability goals, aiming to strengthen Germany’s position in the global digital economy while meeting ambitious environmental standards.
References: [1] Bitkom (2021). Action plan for powerful and sustainable data centers. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [2] Bitkom (2021). Bitkom calls for a digital infrastructure strategy. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [3] Bitkom (2021). Bitkom demands more action for data centers. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [4] Bitkom (2021). Bitkom emphasizes the importance of creating suitable areas for data centers. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [5] Bitkom (2021). Bitkom presents action plan for powerful and sustainable data centers. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [6] Federal Government (2020). Data center strategy. Retrieved from https://www.bmwi.de/ [7] Bitkom (2021). Data centers are essential for Germany's digital sovereignty and competitiveness. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/ [8] Statista (2021). Installed IT capacity of data centers worldwide as of 2020, by country. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/
The newsletter from Bitkom highlights the importance of expanding data center capacity in Germany's finance and technology industry to meet growing demands from AI, machine learning, 5G, and IoT, which require advanced infrastructure. The plan emphasizes adherence to strict energy efficiency regulations under Germany's Energy Efficiency Act 2024, while also proposing regulatory measures to improve cost-effectiveness for operators.
