Technology giants Apple and Microsoft are considering developing multi-million euro data centres in the Netherlands, according to various media reports.

The Noordhollands Dagblad says Apple is looking at developing a data centre in the port of Eemshaven. The paper bases its claims on local sources and the port authority’s multi-year plan which includes mention of a new company setting up base in the area.

The port authority declined to comment on the reports. Google already has a server farm in the town. Eemshaven is the end point for a major transatlantic fibre optic cable network.

According to the Telegraaf, Microsoft also has plans to develop a large data centre in the north of Noord-Holland province with an investment of some €2bn.

The plant will be located in the middle of the province’s horticulture industry and will be powered by energy created in the greenhouses.