Methodology: This comparison uses publicly documented facts from named sources. Both locations are assessed on the same criteria. Advantages and disadvantages are stated for both.
| Factor | Amsterdam · Netherlands | RES1 · Reșița · Romania |
|---|---|---|
| New permits | Moratorium active · no new large permits | Industrial zoning confirmed · PUZ in progress |
| Grid availability | Fully allocated through 2028+ | 650 MVA adjacent · ATR initiated Apr 2026 |
| Power connection timeline | Indefinite · moratorium blocks new | 6–12 months ATR (ANRE Order 59/2013) |
| Industrial electricity | ~€0.18–0.21/kWh | ~€0.14/kWh (Eurostat) |
| Water cooling | Canal water · regulated · permits complex | Bârzava 3.63 m³/s · >50× margin |
| Land availability | Very limited · moratorium | ~3 ha industrial footprint · tender pending |
| Internet exchange | AMS-IX — world's largest | Regional · ~30ms to AMS-IX |
| EU jurisdiction | Netherlands · EU | Romania · EU |
| Political risk | Active moratorium · political opposition to DC | Mayor's Support Letter · Partnership Agreement |
| Climate advantage | ~10°C annual mean | ~8–9°C annual mean |
The Amsterdam moratorium — what happened
The Municipality of Amsterdam introduced a moratorium on new data center construction permits in 2019. The trigger: data center growth in the Amsterdam metropolitan area had consumed available grid capacity, occupied scarce urban land, and created political tension around water use and land pressure at a time of housing shortages. The AMS-IX exchange and established colocation operators locked in their positions before the moratorium. For new entrants, Amsterdam is effectively closed. The moratorium has been extended and remains active through 2025–2026.
The Amsterdam situation represents a fundamental lesson for data center site selection: institutional support and regulatory permissibility are not permanent. A site that is permittable today may not be permittable in 5 years. The RES1 Strategic Partnership Agreement (Nr. 28099, 27.03.2026) and Institutional Support Letter (Nr. 366/15.04.2026) are precisely designed to document and formalise the municipal commitment at the moment it exists — before any equivalent political dynamics can develop.
Where Amsterdam still wins
Internet exchange — AMS-IX is the world's largest internet exchange by traffic. For CDN, peering, and financial market connectivity, Amsterdam's ecosystem is irreplaceable. Existing colocation — if you need capacity in Amsterdam today, it must be found within existing footprints (Equinix, Digital Realty, etc.) — it cannot be built new. Ecosystem maturity — decades of carrier-neutral infrastructure, dark fiber, and enterprise connectivity.
Where RES1 wins
Availability — RES1 can actually be developed. Amsterdam cannot. This is the decisive factor. Power timeline — 6–12 months ATR vs. indefinite moratorium. Political support — Mayor's institutional backing vs. active municipal opposition. Energy cost — €0.14/kWh vs. €0.18–0.21/kWh. Water cooling — unlimited supply vs. regulated canal water with complex permit requirements.
Related: vs Frankfurt · vs Warsaw · Europe grid crisis