Development Plan Approved for Major NTT Data Center in Nierstein

The large-scale data center project planned by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Global Data Centers (NTT) in Nierstein has reached a significant milestone as the official development plan for the site has been approved. This advancement marks a foundational step for the campus, which is set to become one of Europe's largest data center locations.

The site, which previously housed a US military barracks in the Rheinhessen region, was officially rezoned to enable the project. The development plan became legally binding at the end of January, following approval from both the local city council and the regional association authority. These planning permissions establish the legal framework for the next phases, including further permitting and construction activities. NTT intends to submit the primary construction application in the coming months, with the granting of building permits anticipated approximately a year thereafter.

NTT's proposed facility is designed for a maximum power capacity of approximately 482 megawatts. Once operational, the campus would make Nierstein a leading data center hub in Europe, with the potential to create around 400 new jobs. The company plans to integrate extensive sustainability measures, including the construction of both photovoltaic arrays and a wind park on the premises. The entire energy supply for the data center is slated to come from renewable sources, with additional power secured through Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs). Furthermore, local municipalities plan to utilize the data center's waste heat for regional energy needs, underscoring the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Although specific details about the end use of the facility have not been disclosed, the substantial electrical load suggests a focus on high-performance computing, likely supporting artificial intelligence (AI) applications. When completed, the new center will rank as the third largest data center in Europe, surpassed only by the Start Campus Sines DC in Portugal (1,200 MW) and a planned Brookfield facility in Stockholm (750 MW). For context, a recently opened AI-focused data center in Munich delivers 12 megawatts, with an expansion to 20 megawatts planned.

The comprehensive development of the Nierstein campus is projected to span about ten years, with construction expected to commence in 2027 and the initial phase targeted for operational launch in 2029. NTT is recognized as a global leader in data center operations, managing more than 150 facilities worldwide. In Germany, NTT already operates data centers in several major cities, including Frankfurt--a key hub for European internet connectivity--as well as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Bonn. The company employs more than 330,000 people globally.

This initiative not only transforms a previously unused conversion area but also promises to drive economic growth and innovation in the region. By leveraging renewable energy and contributing to local energy solutions, the Nierstein data center project exemplifies the growing importance of sustainable infrastructure in the digital economy.