German Council Blocks Vantage Data Centers' Major Frankfurt-Area Campus
February 9, 2026
In a significant setback for data center expansion in one of Europe's most critical digital infrastructure hubs, local authorities have rejected a major development plan by Vantage Data Centers. The decision underscores the growing regulatory and community challenges facing the industry as it seeks to build large-scale facilities near established metropolitan hubs. The city council of Groß-Gerau, a town located approximately 30 kilometers south of Frankfurt, voted this month against entering into contract negotiations with the US-based data center operator. The council's 18-14 vote effectively halts Vantage's proposed project, codenamed FRA5, which was planned for a 14-hectare site in the Lausböhl industrial park. The ambitious campus was slated to have a total capacity of 174 megawatts, housed across up to five four-story buildings, representing a planned investment of around €2.5 billion ($2.97 billion). Vantage had acquired the site, previously used by automotive logistics firm ARS Altmann, in 2022. The council's ruling followed over a year of planning and debate. While the local Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the combined Free Voters' Association voted in favor of the project, a coalition comprising the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Free Democratic Party, and the Left Party voted against it. Proponents like CDU parliamentary group leader Thomas Hlubek argued the town was missing out on substantial tax revenue and a reliable investor. Opponents, however, raised multifaceted concerns. SPD leader Susanne Theisen-Canibol criticized the business model, stating, "The tax revenue would not remain in Groß-Gerau. We will not sell our city... to a multi-billion-dollar investor." The local Green party, which had publicly opposed the project, declared that the "disadvantages of a data center at this location clearly outweigh the advantages," later describing the proposed campus as a "noisy, ugly monstrosity." Council members also cited concerns over the project's limited job creation, the visual impact of the large buildings, and potential security risks, with some fearing the facilities could become a target for terrorism. Despite Vantage's plans to make waste heat available for reuse, these factors ultimately swayed the decision. The rejection highlights the increasing complexity of site selection for hyperscale data center projects, even in high-demand markets like Frankfurt. As communities become more vocal about land use, environmental impact, and perceived benefits, developers face heightened scrutiny beyond traditional power and connectivity considerations. Vantage, which currently operates two 56MW campuses in the Frankfurt metropolitan area, stated it would process the decision internally before determining its next steps. The outcome may prompt the industry to reassess engagement strategies with local municipalities and the communication of long-term community value.
Source: datacenterdynamics
