Bad Vilbel in turmoil: data centers instead of furniture stores!

Bad Vilbel in turmoil: data centers instead of furniture stores!

In Bad Vilbel, a small town in the Wetterau district, a large project is underway: Vantage Data Centers is planning to build two data centers on a spacious ten hectare site. The sale of the site to the company has already been completed, and the anticipation of the innovative project is mixed with a fair amount of skepticism from the residents. At an information evening attended by around 50 visitors, numerous questions were raised on topics such as noise pollution, pollutant emissions and energy requirements. Many citizens express their dissatisfaction with the city's information policy, which they believe falls far short of expectations. According to FNP, the project is only in an early phase, even if the first step was taken in February 2025 with the decision to draw up the development plan.

Residents are particularly concerned about noise emissions from the planned cooling units, which must not produce more than 55 decibels during the day and no more than 40 decibels at night. The equipment of the data centers, which are expected to include 80 to 100 diesel generators for emergency operation, is also causing discussion. The estimated energy supply of 160 megawatts from the Rendel substation raises fears about increasing energy consumption and the associated risks to the environment. However, it is emphasized that the cooling system does not require any additional water for ongoing operation, which is a positive at least in terms of water management.

A change in urban development

Another aspect that is fueling the discussion is the failed construction of a Segmüller chain furniture store. This project, which had planned for a retail area of ​​45,000 square meters and a height of up to 28 meters, was abandoned due to massive concerns from residents and neighboring communities. The city agreed to pay Segmüller 16 million euros to get the property back. Mayor Sebastian Wysocki sees “new perspectives” for the development of the area in the situation – and the data center could be the guide here. According to Hessenschau, great interest is expected in a timely sale of the property, at a price above the land guide value of 38 million euros.

The data center, which is being discussed as a potential project, could provide a welcome opportunity to reduce traffic flow in the city. Irene Utter, the mayor, reports a significantly lower volume of traffic compared to a furniture store. The Greens in the city parliament also welcome the decision, but at the same time are calling for more living space. Jens Matthias from the Greens highlights the “data center strategy” and suggests using the waste heat from the data centers for schools or residential buildings.

Sustainability in focus

More and more attention is being paid to the increasing energy requirements of data centers. According to a report by the Umweltbundesamt, the global energy demand in this area is estimated to be between 200 and 1,000 terawatt hours per year. This places significant responsibility on operators, who are encouraged to minimize their electricity needs and increase energy efficiency. The Blue Angel for data centers sets standards and REQUIRES a long-term strategy to improve efficiency.

Overall, the planning and construction of the data centers in Bad Vilbel is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. The coming months will show to what extent residents' concerns are taken seriously and how the project is ultimately communicated in the city.