New colocation operator Nexspace this month launched its first facility in the Heidelberg Innovation Park (HIP) in Germany.
Ground was broken on the 252-rack data center in November 2022.
The three-story site offers 2MW of IT load across 4,000 sqm (43,055 sq ft) – reportedly expandable to 8,000 sqm (86,110 sq ft) in future. It will operate with a PUE of 1.25 and is connected to the local district heating network.
The project was completed by Germany’s Data Center Group (DCG) as general contractor together with Data Center Constructions GmbH (DCC), Data Center Security GmbH (DCS), and InfraRed Capital Partners.
“This is a highly innovative data center project. In close collaboration with the Heidelberg municipal utilities, an unprecedented concept was developed that sets standards in the area of sustainable cooling supply,” said Ralf Siefen, CEO Data Center Group.
Spread over some 15 hectares, the HIP is the site of the former Patton Barracks in Heidelberg.
“The new green data center strengthens Heidelberg as a future location and is an important building block in the development of the Heidelberg Innovation Park into an innovation location for IT, AI, digital, and life sciences with supra-regional appeal,” said Eckart Würzner, mayor of the city of Heidelberg.
“The data center offers modern digital infrastructure, which we in Heidelberg urgently need for the future. Through efficient operation and sustainable supply via renewable energies, the data center makes a valuable contribution to environmental protection. The data center offers many new opportunities for start-ups and companies in hip and the entire region.”
Heidelberg is also home to a 3D-printed data center occupied by local IT firm Heidelberg iT.