Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) is making a substantial €2 billion investment in expanding its German data centre presence with four new facilities in Frankfurt and Berlin, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy practices and cutting-edge cooling technologies.
The move underscores Colt DCS’s commitment to environmentally responsible digital infrastructure.
The project includes two data centres in Frankfurt (Frankfurt 4 and 5) and two in Berlin (Berlin 1 and 2), adding a total of 117MW of IT capacity to the company’s German portfolio. A key focus of this expansion is the integration of sustainable energy solutions. Colt DCS has already secured renewable power contracts for the first phases of Frankfurt 4 and Berlin 1, aiming for a Ready-for-Service date by the end of 2028. The commitment to powering its facilities with green energy aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals and helps to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.
The new data centres will also incorporate advanced cooling systems designed for both efficiency and environmental responsibility. Following Colt DCS’s Global Reference Design (GRD), the facilities will flexibly support traditional air cooling, highly efficient direct liquid-to-chip cooling, and hybrid approaches. The implementation of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) cooling chillers will minimise the impact on the climate. Additionally, the designs prioritise reducing water waste in cooling processes, reflecting a commitment to conserving precious resources.
Sustainability extends beyond energy and cooling. Colt DCS is applying low embodied carbon principles in the construction of these facilities, aiming to minimise the use of steel and concrete. In an innovative move towards a circular economy, waste heat generated by the data centres will be reused by local councils for district heating, turning a byproduct into a valuable resource for the community. The development plans also include reserving a fifth of the site areas for green spaces and incorporating photovoltaic solar panels and planted vegetation on the building roofs, further enhancing the environmental sustainability of the project.
The investment not only boosts Germany’s digital infrastructure and creates new capacity for cloud and AI services but also demonstrates Colt DCS’s strong commitment to building and operating data centres in an environmentally responsible manner. By prioritising renewable energy, advanced cooling technologies, and sustainable construction practices, Colt DCS aims to minimise its environmental impact while meeting the growing demands of the digital economy.
Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, said: “The continued growth in digital services has created strong demand for hyperscale data centres in Germany. Our acquisitions in Frankfurt and Berlin are a testament to our commitment to Europe’s largest economy. We are proud to contribute to the growth of the local community and remain a trusted partner for our customers worldwide. These new sites will not only enhance our capacity to serve the increasing needs of cloud and AI workloads but also reinforce our dedication to sustainability and innovation in the data centre industry.”
