News from Rheinisches Revier

Microsoft is further strengthening its commitment to Rheinisches Revier by expanding its multi-billion-euro investment in AI infrastructure. The U.S. technology company has announced plans to build a fourth AI data center in North Rhine-Westphalia, selecting Grevenbroich as the location for its newest facility.
The investment is another strong signal for Rheinisches Revier and highlights the region's growing importance as one of Europe's most attractive locations for digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and future technologies. With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, reliable energy supply and strong research landscape, the region offers ideal conditions for international technology companies looking to invest and grow. With every new investment, Rheinisches Revier is accelerating its transformation into a leading European hub for digital infrastructure, innovation and future industries.

A globally significant industrial project is taking shape in the Rheinisches Revier: The world's first industrial-scale silicon carbide recycling facility is being built in Frechen. The innovative process will recover this strategically important high-tech material for reuse in manufacturing while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to conventional production methods.

With an investment of approximately €100 million, the project represents another important step in the Rheinisches Revier’s transformation. It further strengthens the region as a hub for sustainable industry, circular economy solutions, and advanced technologies that support sectors including semiconductors, electric mobility, and aerospace.

A major milestone for the innovation ecosystem of the Rheinisches Revier: Aachen-based technology company Black Semiconductor has begun construction of its first manufacturing facility. A former production hall is currently being transformed into a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the fabrication of next-generation semiconductor technologies.

The RWTH Aachen spin-off is developing a novel graphene-based technology designed to significantly accelerate data transfer between chips—an essential capability for advanced AI applications and data centers. With this project, Black Semiconductor is taking a step that remains highly unusual in Germany: as a startup, the company is building its own semiconductor production facility.

Supported by the German federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the project further strengthens Aachen’s position as a leading high-tech hub and highlights the Rheinisches Revier’s growing role as a center for innovation, research, and advanced industry.

Rheinisches Revier has been recognized by Real FDI as one of Europe and the UK’s “Top Investable Innovation Zones,” highlighting the region’s growing international importance as a hub for sustainable industry, innovation, and future technologies. Notably, Rheinisches Revier is the only region from Germany to receive this distinction.

The recognition underlines the region’s transformation from a former lignite mining area into a leading destination for investment in hydrogen, renewable energy, AI, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. Global companies and well-known names such as Microsoft and Quanta are already investing in the region, further strengthening Rheinisches Revier’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.

With its strategic location between Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen, access to world-class research institutions, and large-scale development opportunities, Rheinisches Revier continues to attract international investors and technology-driven companies looking for sustainable growth and long-term innovation potential.

Find out more about Rheinisches Revier as one of Europe and the UK’s leading investable innovation zones.

Jochen Pollotzek, Head of Division Rheinisches Revier at NRW.Global Business, highlighted the opportunities of Rheinisches Revier for the hydrogen economy in an interview with the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK). The interview focused on the region’s transformation from Europe’s largest lignite mining area into a climate-neutral industrial hub and future “Net Zero Valley.”
Jochen particularly emphasized the region’s strong locational advantages: available industrial sites, a powerful hydrogen infrastructure, close proximity to international logistics hubs, and a strong network connecting research, industry, and policymakers. Institutions such as RWTH Aachen University, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and numerous hydrogen projects in the region create ideal conditions for companies across the entire hydrogen value chain.
The international perspective also played a central role in the interview. Rheinisches Revier offers attractive opportunities for Dutch companies in particular when it comes to cooperation, investment, and innovative industrial projects. “The region combines structural transformation and industrial expertise with a clear hydrogen strategy. This creates an environment with real opportunities for companies,” Jochen explained in the interview.
The full interview was published by the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK).

Rheinisches Revier will be present at this year’s World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam. Together with Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) and the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK), NRW.Global Business will host the investor event “Business opportunities in Germany’s Net Zero Valley: Rheinisches Revier” on 20 May 2026.
The session will highlight Rheinisches Revier’s transformation into a leading hydrogen hub and showcase concrete business opportunities for international companies and investors. Representatives from GTAI, NRW.Global Business, VoltH2, LBC Tank Terminals, and NEUMAN & ESSER will share insights into Germany’s hydrogen strategy and the region’s industrial transformation.
The Rheinisches Revier team looks forward to inspiring conversations, new connections, and engaging discussions about the future of the hydrogen industry. Thomas Marquart and Tine Schrader will be on site and are happy to connect with visitors and partners from across the international hydrogen sector.

Fressnapf SE has opened a new e-commerce center in Nörvenich (Düren district). The 72,000m² facility was constructed in just 450 days and enables the shipment of up to 60,000 packages per day. In the long term, around 800 jobs are expected to be created.
The center also focuses on sustainability: a photovoltaic system is capable of covering a large share of its energy needs. As a result, the project has been awarded the DGNB Platinum certification.
With this new facility, Fressnapf is strengthening its e-commerce operations in Rheinisches Revier and setting an example for efficient processes and environmentally responsible construction.

Rheinisches Revier will be presenting itself at polis Convention 2026 – one of the leading trade fair for urban and project development. Together with Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, the team will be at the joint stand D06.1, offering insights into the region’s transformation into Europe’s first climate-neutral industrial area. At the stand, we will once again showcase our interactive touch table, making the structural transformation in Rheinisches Revier tangible and easy to explore. Visitors can intuitively discover the industrial parks of the future and experience how innovative projects in the region are gradually becoming reality. The team looks forward to inspiring conversations, new connections, and an exchange on concrete investment and development opportunities – Be Part of It.

Jochen Pollotzek, Head of Division Rheinisches Revier at NRW.Global Business, guides viewers as an AI avatar through Rheinisches Reviers' vast site potential. With excellent motorway, rail and inland waterway connections, direct access to international airports, and global gateways like the Port of Duisburg as well as nearby seaports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, the region keeps business in motion. As an emerging hydrogen hub, it is also actively driving the future of energy and industry.

Rheinisches Revier will be present at this year’s Hannover Messe, the world’s leading industrial trade fair. Visitors can find the team in Hall 13, Booth C14.

A key highlight at the booth is an innovative interactive touch experience that brings regional transformation to life. Using a state-of-the-art touch table, visitors can explore the industrial parks of the future with a simple touch and discover how innovation is taking shape in Rheinisches Revier. The presentation emphasizes the region’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation and offers valuable insights into future industrial developments.
 

The Rheinisches Revier team looks forward to inspiring conversations, new connections, and engaging discussions about the future of industry. Thomas Marquart and Tine Schrader will be on site and are happy to connect with visitors.

Microsoft has broken ground in Bergheim for a new data center cluster in Rheinisches Revier. The hyperscale data centers, also located in Bedburg and Elsdorf, will significantly expand the availability of cloud and AI services in Germany and enable data-driven innovation across industries. The location benefits from its position at key digital infrastructure corridors, further strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading digital hub.

Shell has celebrated the topping-out ceremony for its 100 MW PEM electrolyzer REFHYNE 2 in Wesseling, marking a major step in the transformation of the Rheinland site. Set to begin operations in 2027, the facility will produce up to 16,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year, replacing fossil-based hydrogen in refinery processes and lowering CO₂ emissions. Together with the existing REFHYNE 1 plant, it will supply around 10% of the site’s hydrogen demand. Backed by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program and partners including ITM Power and Linde, the project highlights NRW’s progress in scaling industrial hydrogen, while reinforcing Rheinisches Revier as an emerging center for sustainable energy and industry.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has acquired the 37,000 m² data center of the financial administration at Kaarster Kreuz from a private investor to better protect its IT infrastructure from espionage and cyberattacks. Around 1,000 employees are expected to work in the building complex starting this year. In addition to the data center, the facility also includes office, storage, and workshop space. The nearly carbon neutral operation, powered by geothermal energy, solar energy, and waste heat recovery, further strengthens Kaarst’s role in the Rheinisches Revier as a key IT and administrative hub for the state.

CTP has completed CTPark Jülich at Brainergy Park Jülich and handed it over to technology manufacturer Quanta Computer Inc. The project will create around 500 jobs across a total area of approximately 23,800 m², including about 16,700 m² of production and logistics space and 7,100 m² of office and technical space. Quanta will use the site to produce high-tech solutions in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving. The facility includes a clean room, a product testing laboratory, and automated manufacturing systems. The site offers excellent connectivity with direct access to the A44 highway and close proximity to the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, further strengthening the region’s international links. Equipped with a photovoltaic system and awarded DGNB Gold certification, the project also highlights a strong commitment to sustainable industrial development in the Rheinisches Revier.
 

The mechanical and plant engineering company GEA has opened a new development and production center in Elsdorf in Rheinisches Revier, investing around €80 million in the project. Over the past two years, a “Factory of the Future” covering approximately 45,000 square meters has been built to manufacture freeze-drying systems for the pharmaceutical industry, including for the gentle drying of vaccines. With 2,200 solar panels, heat pumps, and digital warehouse management, GEA is also setting new standards in sustainability and efficiency. The site secures around 250 jobs and replaces the company’s previous production facility in Hürth, sending a strong signal for structural transformation in the Rheinisches Revier.

The future at your fingertips: explore Rheinisches Revier with a touch table

From March 9 to 13, 2026, Cannes will become the center of the international real estate industry. At MIPIM, the leading trade fair for real estate and urban development, Rheinisches Revier will highlight why it’s one of the most exciting investment locations in Europe.

The aim is to show international developers and investors the enormous potential offered by the vast areas of land that are being made available as a result of structural change. A special highlight at the stand will visualize this transformation: an innovative touch table is making the future tangible. With the touch of a finger, visitors can explore the industrial parks of tomorrow – from the transformation of the Frimmersdorf power plant to Brainergy Park and Neuland Hambach.

Our team will be available at booth R8.D13 to discuss location development. Jochen Pollotzek (General Manager), Anne Eberhardt (Project Manager Commercial Sites), and Joan Gammuto (Project Coordinator Marketing) will be happy to provide you with information about current projects and opportunities.

Get in touch now!

Where the digital future is happening: Rheinisches Revier will be present at the Mobile World Congress.

Starting on March 2, 2026, Rheinisches Revier will be present at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the world's leading trade fair for the mobile communications and connectivity industry. The region is using the international stage to position itself as a dynamic tech hub and showcase its transformation to a global audience.

The focus will be on networking with decision-makers and investors in the digital economy. Rheinisches Revier scores highly with its excellent infrastructure and optimal conditions for tech companies. The aim is to strengthen international partnerships and create new drive for structural change.

Meet the team on site: Tine Schrader (Project Coordinator Acquisition) and Simon Schönborn (Project Manager Acquisition) will be available for discussions at booth CS318.

Get in touch now!

AI avatar shows the diversity of spaces in Rheinisches Revier.

Digital and future-oriented: Rheinisches Revier is also breaking new ground in communication. In a recent video, Jochen Pollotzek, General Manager of Rheinisches Revier at NRW.Global Business, guides viewers through the enormous potential of the location as an AI avatar.

This initiative underscores the region's claim to be a tech hub. The digital twin is aimed at international investors and outlines the vision for the region in the heart of Europe.

Get in touch now!

Survey confirms: international companies are betting on Rheinisches Revier.

Germany is a sought-after location for international direct investment – and Rheinisches Revier is particularly attractive. This is made clear by a YouGov survey commissioned by NRW.Global Business among decision-makers in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The transformation into a sustainable industrial region is proving successful: in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, 84 percent of those surveyed rate the region as attractive for expansion. In the Netherlands, more than half (56 percent) see great potential in Rheinisches Revier.

The survey cites "artificial intelligence" and "sustainability" as key investment trends. The region is already providing concrete answers in this regard: with projects such as the AI Village, Microsoft data centers, and the Jülich hydrogen cluster, the vision of Europe's first climate-neutral industrial region is becoming a reality.

Further reasons to invest can be found here.