There are plans for four large data centers in Haarlemmermeer. Together they require more than 275 megawatts of power, which equates to the consumption of hundreds of thousands of households. The data centers are planned in Rozenburg and Schiphol-Rijk. Three of the four projects, also the largest, are close to homes along the Aalsmeerderdijk.
The most advanced is the data center at Aviolanda 3A in Rozenburg (45 megawatts). That project already has a permit. The other three data centers are still waiting for this. This concerns EdgeConneX AMS10 (107.5 megawatts), EdgeConneX AMS13 (54 megawatts) and an InterXion data center (70 megawatts), all in Schiphol-Rijk.
Construction of AMS10 has already started, while the permit procedure is still ongoing. This data center is closest to the Aalsmeerderdijk. It is expected that this data center can be put into use in two to three years.
Many views have been submitted on the draft decision for AMS10. These are still being treated. The municipality of Haarlemmermeer has announced that its data center policy is being evaluated. At the same time, the municipality recognizes that there are concerns, for example about noise, views and property values.
The design of AMS10 has therefore been adjusted in parts. According to the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, it is understandable that there are questions, especially because the projects are relatively close to homes along the Ringvaart.
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It is not yet clear what the data centers mean for the electricity grid, but this could cause grid congestion. This means that the power grid has insufficient capacity to handle all supply and demand simultaneously. Whether this will also apply in Haarlemmermeer depends on expansions of the grid and final power consumption.
IIn North Holland, Liander and TenneT are already investing billions in the power grid. Moreover, data centers do not constantly use the same amount of power. Demand can be high, especially during peak times. It is still uncertain to what extent residual heat emitted by such a center can be used for the environment.
Who actually decides?
The permits for data centers are not granted by the municipality, but by the province. Maximum limits apply in Schiphol-Rijk and large projects must install their own power supply. The so-called hyperscales, data centers that are larger than ten hectares and simultaneously use more than 70 megawatts, are prohibited in Haarlemmermeer.
The impact of the plans is great. The 275 megawatts of power equates to a consumption of hundreds of thousands of households. How much power is actually needed to run these data centers will remain to be seen in the coming years. Until then, it remains mainly an estimate. The municipality says it is doing everything it can to prevent as much nuisance as possible.
