Belgium wants
AI.
But are we also building what AI needs?
AI is not just about models and applications. It also requires physical infrastructure: computing power, connectivity, cooling and a reliable energy supply. Belgium can either develop this capacity here and anchor the economic value locally, or have the computing power built elsewhere and become structurally dependent on it.
When computing power leaves, more than just infrastructure leaves
If suitable AI capacity cannot be developed in Belgium, the demand will not disappear. Belgian companies will then purchase that capacity abroad. This also leads to a shift in economic value and strategic manoeuvre.
Investments
Capital and infrastructure projects are carried out outside Belgium.
Expertise
Technical expertise, specialised roles and experience flourish wherever infrastructure is being built.
Speed
Belgian organisations are dependent on capacity that is available and prioritised elsewhere.
Control
For critical workloads, there is less control over location, availability and continuity.
Local added value
Economic activity relating to construction, operations and specialist services is shifting accordingly.
Digital autonomy
Belgium will have less influence over the infrastructure on which its digital economy relies.
The requested grid capacity is not the same
as
actual consumption
Projects sometimes reserve capacity at different locations. Not every application is granted planning permission, goes ahead or is fully utilised. Anyone who treats all applications as future consumption overestimates the actual impact and risks holding back valuable projects.
The relevant question is not only how much energy a project uses, but also what specific need it meets, how efficiently it uses energy and cooling, and what value it brings to the local community.
The demand for AI infrastructure is not a future scenario
Datacenter United recently signed a binding agreement with a Benelux-based client for multi-megawatt AI capacity in Machelen. The planned high-density environment will be equipped with liquid cooling.
The agreement demonstrates that demand for specialised AI infrastructure is already a reality today. It comes from real clients and sets requirements that traditional data centre environments cannot automatically meet.
Features of the agreement
AI requires a different infrastructure layer
AI workloads place different demands on power, cooling, connectivity and continuity than traditional IT environments.
Available capacity
AI plans require sufficient electrical power and physical space. The required capacity, growth potential and availability must be aligned with your organisation’s application and planning.
Liquid cooling for high-density environments
High power densities result in a significant heat load. Liquid cooling can dissipate heat close to the source, thereby supporting high-performance, densely packed systems.
High-performance and redundant connectivity
AI systems must be able to exchange data reliably with your organisation, other locations and cloud environments. High-performance connections and alternative network paths support that continuity.
Business continuity and operational resilience
Business-critical applications require more than just capacity. Redundant systems, monitoring, maintenance and clear operational procedures help to ensure the infrastructure remains reliably available.
‘Anyone who wants AI must also be prepared to plan where that computing power will be operated.’
Friso Haringsma – CEO, Datacenter United
Limited capacity calls for clear choices
Energy, space and grid capacity are in short supply. Belgium therefore needs a transparent decision-making framework that looks beyond the moment an application is submitted.
Demonstrable customer demand
Is there a specific and contractually substantiated need?
Energy and cooling efficiency
How efficiently is available capacity utilised?
Connection to the grid
Does the project fit within the local infrastructure and available capacity?
Waste heat where it makes sense
Can waste heat be utilised in a technically and economically viable way?
Resilience
How does the project contribute to continuity, security and digital autonomy?
Local economic added value
Which investments, areas of expertise and activities are being established in Belgium?
This is how we distinguish between speculative applications and infrastructure that genuinely supports our digital economy.
Not every megawatt creates the same value
Data centres are often treated as a single category of large-scale consumers. However, speculative demand without a specific customer differs fundamentally from infrastructure that supports demonstrable digital demand, is integrated efficiently and creates local economic value.
Data centre infrastructure is not a competitor to our digital ambition. It is a prerequisite for realising that ambition in Belgium.
Speculative application
Strategic infrastructure
Why Datacenter United
AI infrastructure requires a partner that brings together physical infrastructure and business-critical continuity. Datacenter United combines a strong presence in Belgium with a national network and experience in managing critical digital environments.
- Independent Belgian operator
A locally based infrastructure partner for organisations wishing to host their digital environment in Belgium. - Nationwide coverage
A network of data centres spread across Belgium, close to organisations and their digital ecosystems.
- Carrier-neutral infrastructure
A choice of different telecoms and network providers, tailored to your connectivity needs.
- Experience with business-critical environments
Operational management with a focus on continuity, security, monitoring and maintenance.
- Infrastructure prepared for high-density applications
Targeted development of power and cooling capacity for higher power densities, including the planned liquid-cooled AI environment in Machelen.
- Relevant certifications and availability guarantees
The certifications and availability agreements applicable to your solution are specified by location and service.
14
12
100
%
99,999
%
High-density
Certified
What does your AI plan require in terms of the underlying infrastructure?
Is your organisation planning to deploy AI or high-density workloads? Discuss in good time what capacity, cooling, connectivity and business continuity are required for this.
Questions about our vision?
If you have any enquiries, whether you are a policymaker, member of the media or other stakeholder, please contact Datacenter United directly.