Digital Realty, one of the leading global providers of data centers, has announced the opening of FRA18, the first data center in Germany located in a building listed as a historical heritage site. The new facility is part of the Digital Park Fechenheim campus and combines the latest technology for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications with a strong commitment to sustainability and architectural preservation.
The new FRA18 data center features 8,200 square meters of colocation space and a total capacity of 16 megawatts (MW), with an initial phase already offering 6.4 MW and a planned expansion of 9.6 MW in future phases. The infrastructure has been designed to support demanding workloads, integrating advanced liquid cooling technology to maximize performance and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, Digital Realty has incorporated its ServiceFabric™ platform into FRA18, enhancing data security and connectivity capabilities. This technology allows customers access to SCION (Scalability, Control, and Isolation On Next-Generation Networks), a next-generation Internet protocol essential for sectors such as finance and pharmaceuticals.
Volker Ludwig, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Realty in the DACH region, emphasized that “the vision for Digital Park Fechenheim is innovation at all levels. We have managed to preserve the historical value of this iconic building while providing our customers with the most advanced technology solutions.”
The building, designed by the renowned architect Egon Eiermann and formerly home to the Neckermann company, has been renovated while respecting its original structure, including characteristic elements such as staircases, balconies, and a rainwater management system. The floors that were previously used for logistics distribution have been transformed into modern high-performance data rooms.
Sustainability is another key pillar of the project. In collaboration with environmental authorities, Digital Realty is implementing an ecological restoration plan, creating green spaces and restoring 10,000 square meters of land to promote biodiversity and groundwater regeneration. Additionally, the new data center will integrate an innovative residual heat reuse system to contribute to energy efficiency.
“This project reinforces our commitment to responsible development and sustainable innovation,” Ludwig added. “Thanks to the close collaboration with the city of Frankfurt and the state of Hesse, we have been able to develop a concept that respects heritage preservation requirements without sacrificing energy efficiency or environmental protection.”
With this inauguration, Digital Realty strengthens its presence in Germany and its leadership in global interconnection and data center solutions, with a network of over 300 facilities across more than 50 cities and 25 countries.
Source: Digital Realty