Amsterdam struggles with future of data centers and digital ambitions

In Amsterdam, ambitions for technological leadership are increasingly clashing with political realities. While alderman Alexander Scholtes (Digital City) advocates for greater digital independence and the infrastructure to support it—such as new data centers—alderman Zita Pels (Sustainability) recently announced a firm moratorium on new data centers until 2035. Only previously approved projects are allowed to proceed.

Pels argues that data centers consume too much space and energy, both of which Amsterdam can no longer afford. Her decision directly contradicts Scholtes' call to invest in ‘hard infrastructure’ to reduce reliance on American tech giants. Economic Affairs alderman Sofyan Mbarki has similarly spoken of Amsterdam’s ambition to become the ‘tech capital of Europe’—a vision difficult to achieve without sufficient data storage capacity.

The tension within the city council has drawn attention nationally. Dirk Beljaarts, Minister for Economic Affairs, criticized Amsterdam's approach as 'hypocritical,' stating: "We want independent data storage, but refuse to allow data centers. That’s impossible."

Although Scholtes and Pels maintain publicly that the policies were coordinated internally, the divide is apparent. Where former D66 alderman Reinier van Dantzig had maintained a “no, unless” policy allowing some data centers under strict conditions, Pels' stance now represents a near-total ban. Small-scale data centers might still be possible, but the overall message is clear.

The sensitivity of the issue is underscored by the fact that several aldermen initially refused responsibility for the data center portfolio. Given the city's political climate and congested power grid, a moratorium had long seemed inevitable.

The coming months will show how Amsterdam reconciles its tech ambitions with sustainability goals and public concerns. For now, the city faces a critical choice: continue to pursue technological leadership, or apply further brakes on expansion?

Read the full article on the website of Het Parool.