How do small data centers still get power in FLAP-D cities?

By Razvan Toma · Founder & CEO, Ampervia · Last checked 2026-10-12 · Sources linked below

Quick answer

Key facts

Frankfurt (NRM): new requests of 3.5 MW or more are allocated pro rata; in local bottlenecks from above 1 MW (ingenieur.de).
Berlin: from 3.5 MVA, capacity is shared out once a year; 70 requests for about 2,300 MVA met 365 MVA available, 47 qualified and 37 received capacity (ingenieur.de).
Amsterdam: zoning restricts data centers above 2,000 m² floor area and 5 MVA connection capacity (Gemeenteblad 2026-433374).
Dublin: below 1 MVA a site is exempt from the CRU data centre decision; 1–10 MVA sites must provide an autoproducer unit covering 100% of MIC (Mason Hayes & Curran).
Germany’s Data Center Capital launched with eight sites of 2–9.5 MW, 46 MW in total, all in southern German cities (IDCNova).

Stay under the threshold (edge and enterprise sites of 1–3.5 MW).
Buy a site that already holds capacity, such as an existing building or older data center.
Use approvals granted before the rules tightened.
Move just outside the constrained grid area.
Own or nearby generation (required in Dublin for 1–10 MVA).
Accept a non-firm connection where offered.

Is there a ban on data centers in these cities?

Not a general ban. Capacity is rationed, and Amsterdam limits size by zoning.

Why are secondary German cities attractive?

Smaller loads fit local grids; Data Center Capital’s launch portfolio of sub-10 MW sites shows the model.