Germany plans to quadruple AI computing capacity by 2030, says Digital Minister Wildberger

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger announced that Germany and the EU must vastly expand data‑centre capacity to meet the surge in artificial‑intelligence demand. The government's new data‑centre strategy aims to at least double overall computing power by 2030 compared with 2025 and to increase AI‑specific capacity four‑fold. The plan outlines 28 measures to accelerate planning and permitting processes and to ensure new facilities run on renewable energy.

Wildberger urged investors to view the expansion as an economic opportunity. Companies such as Google, ASML and Mercedes are already investing in Berlin, which reported €1.4 billion in data‑centre investments for the first half of 2026 and the creation of roughly 3,000 jobs. A Bitkom survey of 603 German firms showed 97 % consider server location decisive, with most preferring Germany over other EU states, while 94 % reject China as a site. The European Parliament is also testing an autonomous AI‑infrastructure platform, EPGenAI Hub, to bolster digital sovereignty.

The strategy reflects a broader push to close a 15‑year gap in cloud and AI capabilities, positioning Germany as a leading European hub for secure and sustainable AI infrastructure.