Uniper Aims to Expand Business with AI and Data Centers

The German energy company Uniper, now state-owned, is charting a new course by venturing into new business fields centered around artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of large-scale data centers. The company announced its strategy on Friday, highlighting the growing demand for digital infrastructure as a key driver for future growth.

"The demand for digital infrastructure is rising and can create growth impulses for Uniper," stated the energy provider. Uniper anticipates growth opportunities stemming from both the increasing interest in locating data centers and their escalating electricity requirements. The company plans to generate revenue by selling and leasing land suitable for these facilities. AI data centers are known for their immense and growing electricity consumption, creating a 'gold rush' atmosphere among power plant operators.

Uniper reaffirmed its commitment to investing approximately five billion euros between 2025 and 2030 in energy security and the transformation of European energy systems, with more than half of this investment allocated to Germany. These planned investments in flexible generation, renewable energies, and the expansion of its gas procurement portfolio underscore Uniper's intended central role in ensuring a secure, predictable, and reliable long-term energy supply across Europe.

The future of Uniper, a former subsidiary of E.ON, became uncertain during the energy crisis of 2022 when the German federal government nationalized it to prevent bankruptcy. The company had faced severe financial difficulties due to the halt in Russian gas supplies. As a condition for the bailout, the EU Commission required Uniper to divest certain holdings. Furthermore, the German government must reduce its stake in Uniper to 25 percent plus one share by 2028.

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The demand for digital infrastructure is rising and can create growth impulses for Uniper.