Google does not intend to build another three data centers in the Dutch Wieringermeerpolder. A spokesperson for the company confirms this after reporting from the Noordhollands Dagblad and a statement from the municipality itself. Currently there's one Google datacenter in the region.
Google had plans for four identical data centers at that location, according to the municipality. According to the Google spokesperson, those plans have been changed some time ago: “In Middenmeer, there was first a 4-building design, but these original plans have been changed some time ago, which is normal in this business. The data center industry is constantly evolving, with technology and design changing very quickly. We decided we needed to rethink our plans based on emerging designs and technologies. There are no additional building plans for the region and there are no further announcements for extensions in the Netherlands".
The data centers of both Google and Microsoft in the area caused quite a stir. For example, Microsoft had already started preparations for construction before the necessary permits had been granted.
The spokesperson emphasizes that this does not mean that Google will never build in the Netherlands again: "We are committed to the Netherlands and that has not changed since we started building in Groningen in 2014.
Our total infrastructure investment in the Netherlands amounts to € 2.5 billion. Last December we announced that our datacenter in Middenmeer is operational. In addition, our current extension in Groningen is under construction and is expected to be completed shortly. Last week we announced an investment of € 45 million for the construction of a new sustainable water project in Groningen".
