International data center developer/operator CyrusOne has announced plans to establish its seventh data center campus in Frankfurt, Germany, called FRA7. It’s indicating CyrusOne’s commitment to European development and a sustainable future. The new colocation facility will be housed on a 63,000 square meter property at Frankfurt Westside, a massive 73-hectare mixed-use revitalization project overseen by BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers Deutschland GmbH.
CyrusOne was chosen as the preferred partner after a thorough selection process, which is in line with BEOS’ mission to promote innovation, creativity, and advancement. With nine data halls housed in two three-story buildings and a powerful 81 megawatt capacity when it begins operations, the upcoming colocation facility is expected to use CyrusOne's expertise in data center architecture. In doing so, it would exceed the objectives set for the next ten years by the European Energy Efficiency Directive and is expected to receive a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating. Significantly, this move would also comply with the energy-efficiency objectives set out by German legislative authorities.
One of the standout features of this “cutting-edge” data center campus would be its pioneering waste heat re-use strategies. Both buildings on the site will potentially supply 40MW of waste heat to the campus's heating grid when operating at peak capacity. True to CyrusOne's sustainability pledge, the data center will rely exclusively on renewable energy sources – a practice the company has steadfastly adhered to for its entire European portfolio since mid-2021.
Ramping Up Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and ecological conservation are woven into the fabric of the project. Ambitious biodiversity drives are in the offing, featuring a generous sprinkling of green spaces spanning 5,500 square meters, the planting of 60-plus trees, and the transformation of over 1,800 square meters of facility exteriors into 'green' spaces. These initiatives would not only promise a visual treat for locals but also pledge to enhance air quality, mute noise, aid thermoregulation, and ramp up energy efficiency.
In terms of timelines, demolition and site clearance are already in motion, with construction kickstarting in the third quarter of 2024. The new data center colocation project is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026.
For Andreas Paduch, Area Vice President of European Sales at CyrusOne, the new Frankfurt data center symbolizes a pivotal chapter in the company’s European journey. “Our budding partnership with BEOS at Frankfurt Westside, a seasoned and forward-thinking local entity, augurs a promising future. Their shared vision of sustainability makes this collaboration all the more enriching.”
Holger Matheis, CEO of Swiss Life Asset Managers, echoes this sentiment. “In CyrusOne, we've discovered a synergistic partner whose aspirations dovetail with ours, especially concerning sustainability.”
Frankfurt Westside Business Campus
With a rich history of housing the chemical industry for over 180 years, the Griesheim Industrial Park, now transitioning into the Frankfurt Westside business campus, is undergoing a transformation. BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers GmbH, which took over in 2020, envision a sustainable future for this site, integrating renewable energies, efficient waste heat utilization, and open spaces that cater to biodiversity and recreation.
The reimagined campus is geared to usher in an era underpinned by sustainability. Robust transport frameworks are in the pipeline, set to facilitate pedestrian movement, cycling, and seamless public transport. As CyrusOne collaborates with BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers, the broader community of Frankfurt would stand to benefit from an enhanced urban landscape that is as sustainable as it is innovative.
