Microsoft has unveiled plans to build a new data center on a 26-hectare site approximately 1 km south of Heppendorf in Elsdorf. The facility marks the third major development in the region, underscoring Microsoft’s strategy to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in Germany.
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Strategic Expansion Across the Cologne Region
The Elsdorf project joins two earlier sites in Microsoft’s Rhein-Erft district portfolio: one in Bergheim and another in Bedburg. In both locations, Microsoft already purchased land and started work on sites measuring 20 and 18 hectares respectively. With the Elsdorf site, the company grows its redundancy and capacity in a region that supports multiple “Availability Zones” for resilience.
Project Factsheet: Microsoft Elsdorf Data Center
Project Microsoft Elsdorf Data Center
Location Elsdorf, Rhein-Erft-Kreis, North Rhine-Westphalia, near Heppendorf
Site Area 26 hectares
Nearby Projects Bergheim (20 ha), Bedburg (18 ha)
Regional Investment €3.2 billion to expand AI & cloud capacity across Germany
Strategic Value Improves redundancy; aligns with growth in AI & data demand
Infrastructure Assets Proximity to A4 motorway; industrial setbacks; planned housing & amenities
Timeline Reference Nearby data centers expected to go live by 2026
Renewable Energy Intent Committed via broader German cloud investments
From Coal Town to AI & Digital Jobs
Mayor Andreas Heller called Microsoft’s move “From coal to AI,” a symbolic shift for Elsdorf. He expects the project will drive both economic and social growth for decades. The site’s proximity to infrastructure, like the A4 motorway, and its location near Heppendorf make it ideal. Moreover, developers see opportunities to draw skilled workers from nearby towns, especially with new housing and amenities planned.
Bigger German Cloud Commitments
Microsoft already committed €3.2 billion to double its AI infrastructure and cloud capacity in Germany. The company intends to build data centers that rely on sustainable energy sources, while also addressing surging regional demand. Leveraging its cloud region in Frankfurt and other West Central sites, Microsoft aims to expand AI, compute, and storage capacity in line with its broader European strategy, even as it faces challenges such as the recent delay of a $1 billion data center expansion in Ohio.
Infrastructure and Timeline Insights
Microsoft has not yet shared full technical details or power requirements for Elsdorf. However, the 26-hectare size suggests a hyperscale facility with redundant systems. Earlier data centers nearby are expected to go live by 2026, which gives a reference timeframe.
This center reinforces Microsoft’s push to anchor cloud infrastructure in Germany. First, Germany enjoys strong regulatory stability and renewable energy mandates, key for sustainable operations. Second, regional expansion enhances data locality for European clients who demand service availability and low latency. Third, the project contributes to local economies through job creation in construction, operations, and ancillary services.
