The symbolic ceremony marks the beginning of an ambitious project that will reinforce Paris’s role as a strategic node in the European digital economy.
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) held the groundbreaking ceremony for its new data center Paris 2, a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the growing demands for computing, connectivity, and sustainability driven by digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
The event took place in Villebon-sur-Yvette, within the Paris-Saclay technology ecosystem, and was attended by the mayor of Villebon, local authority representatives, members of the council, Colt DCS’s management team, as well as strategic partners and media outlets. The day began with the symbolic act of digging and laying cement and bricks, followed by several presentations focused on the project’s digital and environmental impact.
An Infrastructure for the New Digital Era
During the event, Quy Nguyen, Chief Sales Officer of Colt DCS, highlighted the importance of the new data center within the digital economy: “Paris 2 is part of our strategy to drive critical infrastructure that supports cloud services, artificial intelligence platforms, and low-latency connectivity.”
Xhevo Muhametaj, Engineering Director for France at Colt DCS, discussed the facility’s sustainable design. The center has been conceived to minimize environmental impact from the construction phase, incorporating energy efficiency, advanced cooling, sustainable materials, and preparation for renewable energy sources. “It’s not just another data center; it’s a platform ready for the European digital future and the AI revolution,” he explained.
Public-Private Collaboration and Shared Vision
The ceremony also emphasized the collaboration between Colt DCS and allied companies such as Equans, Bouygues Construction, Terrell Group, and Arcadis, as well as coordination with local public entities like the Villebon-sur-Yvette town hall, the Paris-Saclay urban community, and the Essonne department.
Brice Fourney, Director of Major Projects at Equans, underscored the importance of cooperation in developing long-term vision projects: “This data center is an example of how engineering, sustainability, and business vision can converge to shape the digital future.”
Strategic Expansion
Hedi Ollivier, Development Director at Colt DCS, concluded the day by announcing that Paris 2 is just part of the company’s expansion plan in the region. “Our goal is to continue strengthening Colt DCS’s presence in Europe, developing facilities that are not only technically advanced but also environmentally responsible.”
With this new center, Colt DCS reaffirms its commitment to growing the European digital landscape, investing in robust infrastructure prepared for the challenges of artificial intelligence and aligned with the continent’s sustainability goals.
The event concluded with a buffet lunch and a networking session among attendees, solidifying relationships and generating synergies for future developments. With Paris 2, Colt DCS positions itself at the forefront of digital infrastructure in Europe.
Source: Linkedin