The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany, established under the umbrella of eco – Association of the Internet Industry, has presented a position paper containing concrete proposals for the energy policy implementation of the data centre strategy adopted in March 2026.
Volker Ludwig, Spokesperson for the Alliance, says: “The data centre strategy sets out the right objectives. What matters now is swift and binding implementation in terms of energy policy.”
Data centres are a fundamental prerequisite for digital value creation and the use of AI. The eco/IW study “Spillover Effects of Data Centres: The Backbone of the AI Revolution in Germany” shows that data centres are a major driver of innovation, productivity and regional economic development.
Against this backdrop, the Alliance considers grid connection capacity to remain the greatest bottleneck. The maturity model, which prioritises projects according to their planning and implementation status, is a first step. “Grid connection is currently the bottleneck for new data centres. Without binding and rapid connection commitments, investments simply will not materialise,” says Ludwig. The announced grid package is now crucial. “Without a clear statutory basis here, there is a risk of uncertainty, delays, and a patchwork approach to allocation.”
The Alliance also sees an urgent need for action regarding electricity costs. “Germany is at a structural disadvantage in international competition when it comes to electricity prices. If we want to keep digital infrastructure here, data centres must finally be included in relief mechanisms,” says Ludwig. An adjustment to EU state aid rules is a prerequisite for this. “Without competitive electricity prices, key future investments will migrate to other regions.”
The Alliance also emphasises that the flexibility potential of data centres must be assessed realistically. Data centres can only make a limited contribution to flexibility in the energy system provided that practicable, market-based and economically viable framework conditions are established that do not compromise reliable operation.
The Alliance stresses that the objectives have now been defined – what matters next is implementation. “Germany still has every opportunity as a leading data centre location. But the window of opportunity is closing. Without swift decisions, investment will move elsewhere,” says Ludwig.
About the Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany
The Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany is an association of leading companies in the sector. Founded in 2018 under the umbrella of eco – Association of the Internet Industry, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of digital infrastructures for Germany as a business location through dialogue with policymakers and the public.
