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A US giant invests - and Germany cheers
Now that's a statement: Google wants to invest a whopping 5.5 billion euros in Germany by 2029. Not only are new data centers planned, but also a stronger presence in major cities such as Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin. The Rhine-Main region is the main focus of the investments - with a completely new data center in Dietzenbach, while the existing site in neighboring Hanau will be significantly expanded.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger is enthusiastic: "The investment announced today by Google shows how attractive our location is for digital infrastructure." Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil also calls the project a "genuine investment in the future" that focuses on innovation, artificial intelligence and climate protection.
Workstations, computing power - and heat for the living room?
According to Google, the billion-euro program is expected to secure around 9,000 jobs a year. And not just in the tech world: numerous sectors are involved, from the construction industry to district heating supply. What is particularly exciting is that the surplus heat from the new data center in Dietzenbach is to be fed into the district heating network in future - enough to supply over 2,000 households with hot water and heating energy.
High-tech suddenly becomes down-to-earth. Instead of wasting heat, it ends up in the neighbors' radiators. A clever move - ecologically and economically sensible.
Munich becomes a Google hotspot
Another highlight of the investment package is the expansion of Google's Munich site. Following the modernization of the former parcel delivery office, a state-of-the-art development center is being built in Maxvorstadt. Up to 1,500 employees will work on 30,000 square meters in the future. In addition to offices, the complex will also offer publicly accessible areas for the citizens of Munich - a symbol of openness in the midst of the technology boom.
Munich is already considered a key region for AI development. With over 1,000 Google developers on site, it is clear that this is not just a place where code is written, but where Germany's digital future is being built.
Comment: Brave new Google world?
5.5 billion euros - that sounds like progress, jobs and innovation. And all climate-neutral, socially responsible and with local benefits. Sounds almost too good to be true. But beware: anyone who brings Google into the country is also bringing in a powerful player that not only builds servers, but also collects, processes and evaluates data.
It is good if Germany becomes attractive again as a location for digital infrastructure. However, the decisive factor will be how transparently, fairly and independently this infrastructure is operated. Investments are welcome - but they must not be a one-way street.
Source: tagesschau.de
