Data Centers in Leiden

Leiden – Strategic Hub in the Randstad Region

Executive Summary

Leiden offers a strategic colocation alternative to the crowded Amsterdam market, providing robust connectivity and a stable operating environment. It is an ideal location for enterprises requiring low-latency access to the dense economic hubs of The Hague and Amsterdam while benefiting from a lower risk profile. This market ensures high uptime and efficient access to the core of the Dutch digital economy.

Leiden: At A Glance

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Leiden benefits from its proximity to one of Europe's most connected hubs. While local facilities offer access to a solid base of regional and national carriers, the primary interconnection point remains Amsterdam, where hundreds of carriers are available. As of September 2025, customers in Leiden can expect excellent and diverse fiber connectivity.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps: There are no direct public cloud on-ramps located within Leiden as of September 2025. Businesses achieve secure, low-latency cloud access via dedicated fiber links to the major cloud provider PoPs in nearby Amsterdam, which hosts all major hyperscalers.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Peering is primarily handled through the major exchanges in Amsterdam, such as AMS-IX. Connectivity from Leiden to these IXPs is straightforward, offering efficient traffic exchange with a global network of peers.

Bare Metal: Bare metal server options are widely available. Providers such as Leaseweb and Hivelocity offer dedicated server solutions that can be deployed to serve the broader Randstad region with minimal latency.

Power Analysis

Average Cost Of Power: Industrial electricity pricing is estimated between €0.14 and €0.18 per kWh, as of September 2025. This competitive pricing, combined with a stable grid, makes operating costs predictable. The Netherlands' energy mix includes approximately 40% from renewables.

Power Grid Reliability: The Dutch power grid is known for its exceptional reliability. Data centers in the Leiden area are supported by a well-engineered infrastructure with access to redundant power feeds, ensuring high levels of uptime for mission-critical operations.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

Proximity To Key Business Districts: Leiden is strategically positioned between The Hague, the seat of government, and Amsterdam, the country's primary financial and connectivity hub. This location provides low-latency connectivity to a high concentration of multinational corporations, life sciences clusters, and technology companies.

Regional Market Reach: From Leiden, organizations can effectively serve the entire Randstad conurbation, which includes the Netherlands' four largest cities and is one of Europe's most significant economic zones. This makes it a strong base for both national and pan-European service delivery.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers: The Netherlands has a stable and transparent tax system. While there are no specific incentives aimed at data center development, the country's pro-business environment and straightforward corporate tax structure are beneficial for international companies.

Natural Disaster Risk

Leiden has a low overall risk profile for natural disasters, with an INFORM Risk score of 2.5 out of 10, as of September 2025. The primary environmental hazards are related to water management, which is a core area of expertise in the Netherlands.

Key natural hazards to consider:

• Coastal Flood: The most significant risk factor nationally, though extensively mitigated by world-class flood defense systems.
• River Flood: A material risk in a low-lying, river-dense country, but also managed with advanced infrastructure.
• Earthquake: A very low-risk event.
• Drought: A minor but present risk.