This NOVI is broadly based on the Spatial Strategy Data Centers 2030 (Ruimtelijke Strategie Data centers).1 The policy decision aims to ensure that, for the digitalization of the economy, in cooperation with other governments, network operators and the business community, the national government will focus on the rollout of new networks and selective growth of data centers. On this basis, data centers may be located where (cumulatively):
- the energy demand can be met sustainably via current or future energy networks;
- the supply of residual heat to the district heating; and
- they meet the market requirements for digital connectivity.
The government's commitment is to facilitate co-location in the Amsterdam metropolitan area2 for data centers that have hyperconnectivity as a key business requirement. For these co-located data centers, regional explorations of developments towards Almere and South Holland are the logical next steps. Hyperscale data centers can be established in locations where there is a large supply of (renewable) electricity, where connection to the electricity grid can be offered and where space is less scarce.3 Preference is given to locations on the coast, such as at the existing sites in Eemshaven and Middenmeer.
In line with the earlier Spatial Strategy for Data Centers, the government will explore with local and regional authorities how to further implement the selective growth of data centers to better manage and regulate their impact on space and energy supply (electricity and heat), in a way that fits in with the ambitions for digitization. Interaction with the plans of the other authorities is necessary for this.