This study provides a basis for assessing the economic impact of Microsoft's planned hyperscale data center in the Rhenish Mining Area (Rheinisches Revier) and supports political and economic decision-making. To this end, a detailed literature review of existing studies on possible developments in the region and scientifically published articles was conducted. In addition, more than twenty experts from the region were interviewed to gauge expectations within the private sector, academia, and local government regarding the consequences of the announced hyperscale data centers in the Rhineland mining area. To this end, the conditions necessary for success were identified at five levels: (a) productivity and value creation, innovation and start-ups, (b) employment and wages, (c) infrastructure and digital ecosystem, (d) sustainability, climate and resource requirements, and (e) land and acceptance at the locations. The planned establishment in the Rheinisches Revier marks a significant milestone for the region. This investment by Microsoft will strengthen the digital infrastructure and support the structural change towards a climate-neutral digital region. The present baseline scenario shows that the potential of hyperscale data centers can generate considerable economic momentum, including direct value creation effects and the creation of an attractive ecosystem for the digital economy. Particularly noteworthy are the potential positive effects on innovation and start-ups thanks to improved framework conditions, especially in data-intensive industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Challenges remain in areas such as sustainable energy supply, available space, heat utilization, and cybersecurity. Overall, the establishment of the center represents a unique opportunity to increase the region's competitiveness and become a prosperous and sustainable digital region. The five impact levels represent the effects predicted for the establishment of hyperscale data centers based on scientific literature and expert interviews. In addition, indicators are defined that make it possible to measure future knock-on effects. It should be noted that a simple before-and-after comparison of the indicators mentioned is not sufficient to measure causal effects precisely, as external influences and simultaneous developments are not taken into account. However, they represent an initial measurement approach and provide a basis for future decisions.

Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen

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