Flevoland Approves €61 Million Sustainable Data Centre in Almere
Almere, Wednesday 14 January 2026
The Province of Flevoland has officially granted a permit for EvoSwitch’s new facility at the Sallandsekant business park, representing a significant €61 million investment in Almere’s digital infrastructure. The project aims to establish the Netherlands’ most sustainable data centre by utilising surface water from the Hoge Vaart for cooling, purportedly without thermal pollution. However, the development presents a challenging economic dichotomy: while technically innovative, its projected energy consumption rivals that of 80,000 households. Although a solitary objection was dismissed on procedural grounds, the project remains vulnerable to legal appeals concerning environmental impact, highlighting the ongoing tension between expanding digital capacity and regional resource management.
Infrastructure Developments in Flevoland
Simultaneous to the datacenter approval, Flevoland is undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades to support broader regional development [2]. The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management has allocated €200 million for the expansion of the A27 highway between Zeewolde/Almere and Eemnes [2]. This investment aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and improve traffic flow, which is crucial for ongoing housing projects in Almere’s Oosterwold district and the establishment of a Defence presence in the region [2]. The A27 expansion complements previous upgrades to the A27 towards Utrecht and the A1 towards Amersfoort [2].
Additional Investments in Regional Connectivity
Beyond the A27, the national government is investing €29.5 million in smaller-scale improvements to the main road network, including the completion of the Lelystad-Zuid ring road, enhancements to connection 11 at Lelystad-Noord, and upgrades to connections 14 and 15 near Emmeloord [2]. Further investments include an increased contribution of €152.8 million for the widening of the A6 between Almere Oostvaarders and Lelystad [2]. These projects are contingent upon Rijkswaterstaat having sufficient personnel to execute the work [2].
Advancements in Public Transportation
To accommodate the growing population, improvements to public transport are also underway [2]. The Schiphol-Amsterdam-Almere-Lelystad connection will see increased train frequency, facilitated by a new security system (ERMTS) that allows trains to operate closer together [2]. However, the implementation of this system has faced delays, with further clarity expected in the coming spring [2]. Additionally, the Kornwerderzandsluis is slated for expansion to accommodate larger vessels accessing ports around the IJsselmeer, including Urk and Flevokusthaven [2]. Discussions are ongoing between the national government and the provinces of Friesland, Overijssel, and Flevoland regarding the lock expansion, bridge construction, deepening of waterways, and addressing salinisation in the IJsselmeer [2].
Focus on Sustainable Energy Solutions
In related sustainability efforts, Flevoland offers subsidies to residents for the installation of home battery systems [3]. Available to both homeowners and tenants, the subsidy covers 25% of the costs, with a minimum of €750 and a maximum of €1,250 per application [3]. Key conditions include a storage capacity between 5 kWh and 20 kWh, CE marking, and registration on energieleveren.nl [3]. Restrictions on battery usage apply, such as no return delivery between April and September during peak hours and no grid charging between October and March during evening peak hours [3].
Recognition for Regional Leadership
Arjen Gerritsen, the King’s Commissioner, has been nominated for the title of Best Local Administrator of 2025, with the theme of ‘Governing with Courage’ [4]. Gerritsen is described as decisive, knowledgeable, and approachable, fostering debate while considering both the people and the interests of Flevoland [4]. Voting remains open until 26 January 2026, with the winner announced on 4 February at an event in Amsterdam [4].