German Datacenter Association calls for clear frameworks for grids, sites and permitting – and urges faster implementation in Hesse.
The German Datacenter Association (GDA) submitted a position paper on 9 February 2026 as part of the consultation process for Hesse’s Regional Data Center Strategy. The GDA welcomes the state’s approach of aligning the expansion of data centers with a coherent regional framework and highlights Hesse’s particular importance in the Rhine-Main cluster. At the same time, the association stresses that success will depend on an implementation-oriented toolkit that strengthens security of supply and enables investments to move reliably into delivery—especially through energy and grid infrastructure, site availability, and efficient administrative processes.
Data centers as a key component of digital transformation
Data centers are the technical backbone for cloud and AI applications as well as reliable digital services in government and business. They provide scalability, resilience and real-time data processing—and are therefore a critical location factor for value creation and digital sovereignty. From the GDA’s perspective, the priority in Hesse is now to translate strategic objectives consistently into robust planning, available infrastructure and practical delivery processes.
Focus areas for action
The GDA sees quickly effective and structurally relevant levers where bottlenecks currently slow down projects: grid access, site development and permitting procedures. In the association’s view, this requires transparent capacity and timeline outlooks, clear responsibilities, and standardized, legally robust procedures with consistent requirements. The GDA aims to further specify these points in dialogue with the State of Hesse, municipalities, grid operators and other stakeholders, in order to remove implementation obstacles and move projects forward reliably.
Key demands of the GDA
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Grids & supply: Greater transparency on connection capacity and network expansion pathways; clear criteria for the implementation readiness of connection requests.
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Fair grid access: Link capacity reservations to defined milestones; avoid blockages from projects that are not ready to be implemented.
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Site development: Establish “data-center-ready” sites with secured power and fiber outlooks and the necessary infrastructure prerequisites.
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Accelerate permitting: Standardized checklists and fewer duplicate reviews; clearer process logic for faster decisions.
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Simplify efficiency & reporting: Harmonized evidence requirements and a “once-only” principle to reduce multiple reporting obligations.
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Make waste heat practical: Standardized interfaces for heat planning; implementation depending on available networks and off-takers rather than rigid mandates.
Invitation to policymakers
The GDA advocates continuous, solution-oriented dialogue with the State of Hesse, municipalities and the relevant infrastructure stakeholders. The goal is to translate the strategy rapidly into practical implementation steps—supported by clear responsibilities, reliable standards and monitoring that makes progress measurable in grid connections, site availability and procedural transparency. This will help Hesse safeguard its location strength and bring the expansion of digital infrastructure reliably into delivery.
Downloads
Position paper
Position paper of the German Datacenter Association on the consultation process for Hesse’s Regional Data Center Strategy (German)
GDA contact
Matthias Ploetzke
Head of Public Affairs
+49 173 2644 232
ploetzke(at)germandatacenters.com
