German Startup to Build Major AI Data Center, Doubling Nation’s Capacity

A German technology startup called Polarise announced plans to construct a massive 30-megawatt artificial intelligence data center in Bavaria by mid-2027. The facility would double Germany's domestically-operated computing capacity as European nations seek greater control over critical technology infrastructure.

A German technology startup is moving forward with ambitious plans to construct a major artificial intelligence data center that would significantly boost the country’s domestic computing capabilities.

Polarise announced its intention to develop a 30-megawatt AI data center in Amberg, Bavaria, with operations expected to begin by mid-2027. The project represents a substantial expansion that would double Germany’s current domestically-operated computing capacity.

The facility could potentially grow to 120 megawatts in future phases, according to company officials. This development comes as European nations increasingly prioritize gaining greater sovereignty over essential technology infrastructure amid rising global tensions and varying international regulations regarding online content.

At the end of last year, Germany’s AI data centers had a combined capacity of 530 megawatts, based on data from Bitkom, a German technology industry association. However, foreign providers operated much of that capacity.

The proposed facility would rank among Germany’s largest data centers, though it would still be smaller than typical installations operated by major technology corporations like Google and Amazon Web Services, which usually run centers of 100 megawatts or higher.

Polarise currently manages 13 data centers across Germany and internationally. Company officials declined to specify the exact investment amount required for the new project.

“The final investment volume depends heavily on how many customers install their own servers or rent computing power,” explained Marc Gazivoda, who serves as Polarise’s marketing director. He noted that the company operates without state subsidies and that investment levels could fluctuate.

An individual familiar with the project indicated that the initial development phase would require investment “in the triple-digit million euro range.” This figure covers primary infrastructure but excludes the computer chips themselves, with final costs varying based on the quantity and types of processors needed.

Last month, Polarise opened a 12-megawatt data center in Munich with an estimated cost of 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion), according to Deutsche Telekom’s assessment. That facility had already doubled Germany’s existing locally-operated capacity before the new Amberg project was announced.

Energy costs for power-intensive data centers have become an increasing concern as oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel.

To address power needs, Polarise indicated that its partner WV Energie will establish wind and solar power generation facilities for the center, along with battery systems for temporary electricity storage.