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North Rhine-Westphalia Buys Kaarst Data Center to Tighten Security

Officials warn of sharply higher cyber threats.

Overview

  • The state’s building authority bought the newly built complex from a private investor, with the contract effective on February 19, 2026.
  • Ownership gives NRW full control over physical and IT protective measures for critical infrastructure.
  • Finance Minister Marcus Optendrenk says the move strengthens protection of IT systems and the state’s crisis resilience.
  • The 37,000-square-meter site at Kaarster Kreuz will begin hosting about 1,000 employees this year across the data center, offices, storage, workshops and a print shop.
  • Operations are planned to be nearly CO2‑neutral via geothermal energy, solar panels and data-center waste heat, while the purchase price remains undisclosed.