CyrusOne plans new Frankfurt data centre

CyrusOne has announced plans for its seventh data center campus in Frankfurt, named FRA7, located on a 63,000 square meter plot at FRANKFURT WESTSIDE; a 73-hectare commercial and industrial mixed-use regeneration project managed by BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers Deutschland GmbH.

This latest news from CyrusOne follows a competitive selection process in which CyrusOne was the favored partner to deliver a data center scheme that prioritizes sustainability, provides re-used waste heat to the WESTSIDE campus, and is aligned to BEOS’ commitment to create spaces that support; creativity, innovation, progress and productivity. CyrusOne’s partnership with BEOS and Swiss Life Asset Managers marks an important step in the company’s ongoing commitment to European expansion and a sustainable future.

Starting with a total capacity of 81 megawatts delivered across nine data halls in two 3-story buildings, the facility will benefit from CyrusOne’s highly efficient data center design to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification as a minimum and deliver an annualised PUE of <1.3 in advance of European energy efficiency directive targets for 2030. It will also fall in line with the anticipated energy efficiency targets proposed by German legislation.

Innovative waste heat re-use methods will be deployed within both buildings with a potential 40MW of waste heat delivered to the campus heating network when at full capacity.

The facility will be powered by renewable energy, as has CyrusOne’s entire operational portfolio in Europe since June 2021. In addition, specific practices are being implemented throughout the design and construction phase to source sustainable materials and lower CO2 emissions.

Dedicated biodiversity initiatives will be prioritised, with ecological landscaping to increase biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife, the provision of 5,500 square meters of open green space and planting of over sixty trees. Over 1,800 square meters of the facility walls and roofs will be ‘green’, not only creating an aesthetically pleasing outlook for the local community but also improving air quality by: filtering pollutants, reducing noise, supporting thermoregulation and increasing the buildings’ energy efficiency.

Demolition and site clearance is already underway and will be complete by Q1 2024. Construction will commence in Q3 2024, with the capacity delivered by Q2 2026.

"Frankfurt is an incredibly important location for CyrusOne in Europe with 60 MW IT capacity across four operational data centers and another 126 MW under development. It is a real milestone to be planning our seventh facility in the city, and our biggest development to date in Frankfurt.” explains Andreas Paduch, Area Vice President, European Sales at CyrusOne. "We are thrilled to have BEOS, an experienced and innovative local organization, as a key partner for this build at FRANKFURT WESTSIDE and this is the start of a longstanding partnership with this team. It’s fantastic to work with a company so aligned with us on sustainability and biodiversity goals as we move forward on the project together.”

“We are pleased that in CyrusOne we have found a reliable, long-term partner for FRANKFURT WESTSIDE, who in the future will play a key role in the implementation of our ambitious ESG agenda. Our companies are united by many common visions, and in particular with regard to sustainability,” says Holger Matheis, CEO of Swiss Life Asset Managers.

“The chemical industry was active for over 180 years in Griesheim Industrial Park. Now is the time to shape the future of FRANKFURT WESTSIDE, by acting courageously and responsibly – not just for us, but also for future generations. In this respect, the collaboration with CyrusOne is an important element, which fits in seamlessly with our sustainability strategy,” says Mathias Strauch, project head at BEOS AG.

The FRANKFURT WESTSIDE business area is the city’s largest commercial and industrial mixed-use campus and is set to breathe new life into the former site of the Griesheim Industrial Park. Taken over by BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers GmbH in 2020, the full site will promote the efficient use of the existing structures, careful use of resources, intelligent integration of renewable energies, mobility and waste heat and open space design that provides space for biodiversity, leisure and recreation.

With this, the campus will enter a new era of sustainability, tied into CyrusOne’s sustainability goals and overall mission. Transport and mobility concepts will enhance and improve pedestrian traffic, cycle paths and local public transport, with CyrusOne working closely with BEOS AG and Swiss Life Asset Managers to enhance the campus surroundings and benefit the wider local community.