Switch Datacenters in talks to build data centre worth up to €1bn in Lanaken

According to employers' organisation Voka, the project would be one of the largest investments in the history of Limburg province; 150 to 250 permanent jobs are expected. About 8 of the 27 hectares of the former Sappi site are earmarked, with a direct connection to the high-voltage grid to bypass congestion on the distribution network. Construction is estimated to take five to seven years; the project is intended to replace industrial jobs lost through the closures of Sappi and Celanese.

The project is at the negotiation stage: a company spokesperson told VRT NWS "We zijn momenteel volop in onderhandeling om ons te vestigen op de Sappi-site"; no contract with the landowner has been signed and, according to mayor Marino Keulen, the necessary permits are still outstanding. The investment of more than €1bn and up to 250 permanent jobs is independently confirmed by Business AM (VRT NWS and Business AM, 18 Sept 2026).