Ghost data centre, space in Japan, green bonds

Luxembourg has lost its bid to host a European science agency’s new data centre. The so-called “ghost train station” below Findel airport was one of seven locations considered by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, based in London. But the organisation considered the 12,000m2 to 15,000m2 space too small for its needs. The ECMWF selected a site in Bologna, in northern Italy, instead. Findel’s underground station was partially constructed in the early 2000s, but never put into service after the estimated cost to complete the project was considered too high.
The grand duchy’s deputy prime minister has headed to Asia for another space industry mission. Étienne Schneider is promoting Spaceresources.lu in Japan and exploring “future collaboration” during meetings on Wednesday and Thursday with several Japanese cabinet ministers. Schneider co-led a space sector trade mission to America’s west coast last week.
The Luxembourg Stock Exchange posted 2016 turnover of €45.3m (a 0.7% rise over the previous year) and net profits of €12.3m (flat compared to 2015). The highlight of 2016 was the launch of the Luxembourg Green Exchange, in September, which is the world’s only trading platform exclusively for green bonds. It has garnered 50% global market share, representing €50.6bn, according to Julie Becker, a member of the bourse’s management committee.
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology signed a three-year partnership with Circuit Foil to develop a new type of copper capable of handling very high electrical loads.
A local authority in Moselle could launch a telecommuting centre for cross-border commuters. The Portes de France – Thionville conurbation council has partnered with a development firm on the “S-Hub” project. PwC has been commissioned to do a feasibility study and determine the interest of Luxembourg employers. Around 30,000 Thionville area residents work in the grand duchy.