Germany to Transform Closed Coal Mines into Data Centers for Digital Hub Development

Germany is set to transform closed coal mines and power plants into data centers as part of its strategy to become Europe's largest digital hub. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs, the initiative will utilize existing infrastructure to minimize costs and promote local community backing through tax contributions. The data centers will operate on renewable energy and provide surplus heat to local heating networks, while aiming to reduce reliance on foreign cloud services.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Germany is initiating a plan to convert decommissioned coal mines and power plants into data centers to strengthen its position in the global technology race. This initiative, backed by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs, aims to make Germany Europe’s largest digital hub.

AI-curated by Theia

Utilizing existing lignite mine infrastructure will reduce costs and time for conversion. Taxes will be paid to local municipalities, encouraging community backing. The centers are expected to run entirely on renewable energy, with surplus heat from cooling systems provided to local heating networks at no cost. The strategy also seeks to reduce dependency on foreign cloud services, favoring German and European companies.