Switzerland's grid operator Swissgrid has invited firms to bid for a three-year contract to install new server racks in its data centers.

Swissgrid’s tender also covers the supply of relevant materials for the installation, including fiber optic and copper cabling, racks, and protection devices.

No data was made available about the location of the data centers or the number of new servers required by Swissgrid; however, Swissgrid is known to currently operate two data centers with external partners and several dedicated IT rooms across the country.

DCD has approached the firm for comment.

“Swissgrid relies on external service providers to perform technical and administrative tasks in the IT and electrical sectors at its data centers,” wrote the firm. “These providers offer support, in particular, with the installation and removal of IT components, cabling work, documentation in the central planning tool (FNT Command), as well as maintenance, troubleshooting, and material logistics. This collaboration is based on clearly defined processes and guidelines to ensure smooth operation and the highest security standards.”

Founded in 2006, Swissgrid is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and expansion of Switzerland’s 6,700-kilometer (4,163 miles) extra-high-voltage grid, according to its website.

The firm currently employs 800 staff members from 39 countries across several offices nationwide. It has operated two data centers since 2018, acquired shortly after the firm relocated its headquarters from Laufenburg to Aarau. The building was eventually sold to FlexBase Group, which collaborated with the Swiss construction firm Erne to build a 500MW battery storage system on the site.

While Swissgrid only operates two data centers, it plays a crucial role in organizing wider upgrades of Switzerland’s electricity transmission network. Swissgrid has identified 31 individual upgrades costing CHF5.5 billion ($7bn) that will be required by 2040 if surging national demand for new data centers, heat pumps, and electric cars is to be met.

Learn more about the data center market in Switzerland and the wider DACH region, and meet with other executives and experts at the DCN Zurich event later this year.