CyrusOne, a global leader in data center operations, has officially completed the shell and core of its FRA5 data center in Frankfurt, Germany. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in one of Europe’s most important data center hubs. The announcement was shared via a LinkedIn post, where CyrusOne celebrated the completion with a traditional German “Richfest” wreath-lifting ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes not just the completion of a structure but the culmination of extensive planning, collaboration, and innovative design.
FRA5 Data Center Specifications and Future Plans
The FRA5 data center is strategically located in Hanau, Frankfurt, and will provide 54MW of IT capacity across 18,000 square meters (approximately 193,750 square feet). The facility is designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance and reliable data center services in the region. The first phase, which includes 9MW of capacity, is expected to be delivered in Q3 2024. While specific timelines have not been updated, this first phase will be crucial in supporting the digital needs of businesses in the Frankfurt area.
Sustainability at the Core of FRA5
A major feature of the FRA5 data center is its commitment to sustainability. The facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy, aligning with global trends toward greener, more environmentally conscious data center operations. In addition to its energy-efficient design, the data center will incorporate 2,500 square meters of green walls. These green walls will help improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and reduce noise levels, further enhancing the facility’s environmental footprint and making it an integral part of the sustainable development landscape in Frankfurt.
The Role of FRA5 in CyrusOne’s Growing Frankfurt Portfolio
CyrusOne is rapidly expanding its footprint in Frankfurt, with FRA5 joining a growing list of facilities in the region. The company already operates several data centers in the city, including FRA1, FRA2, FRA3, and FRA4, and is currently developing additional sites like FRA6 (72MW capacity) and FRA7 (81MW capacity). This expansion underscores the increasing demand for robust data infrastructure in Frankfurt, particularly as industries continue to embrace edge computing, cloud services, and other digital transformation initiatives.
Why Frankfurt Remains a Key Data Center Location
Frankfurt has long been recognized as a critical data center hub in Europe, attracting investments from major global players like Digital Realty, NTT, Iron Mountain, and Equinix. The city’s strategic location, paired with its advanced infrastructure, makes it an ideal site for data center operators looking to support the region’s growing digital economy. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing and data-driven services, the need for high-capacity, reliable, and sustainable data centers in Frankfurt will continue to rise.
Looking Ahead: CyrusOne’s Strategic Vision
The completion of the FRA5 shell and core is just the beginning of a broader strategy by CyrusOne to build the next generation of data center infrastructure in Frankfurt. The company’s continued investments in the region, including the upcoming FRA6 and FRA7 projects, reflect a commitment to meeting the increasing demand for digital services and supporting the city’s role as a leading tech hub in Europe.
FAQ Section
1. What is the FRA5 data center?
The FRA5 data center is CyrusOne’s fifth facility in Frankfurt, designed to offer 54MW of IT capacity across 18,000 square meters. It will be powered entirely by renewable energy and feature green walls to promote sustainability.
2. When will the first phase of FRA5 be operational?
The first phase, with 9MW of capacity, is expected to be delivered by Q3 2024.
3. How does FRA5 contribute to sustainability?
FRA5 is powered 100% by renewable energy and incorporates 2,500 square meters of green walls, which help improve air quality, reduce noise, and enhance biodiversity.
4. What other data centers does CyrusOne operate in Frankfurt?
In addition to FRA5, CyrusOne operates FRA1, FRA2, FRA3, and FRA4 in Frankfurt, and is developing FRA6 and FRA7, which will offer additional capacity to meet growing market demand.
5. Why is Frankfurt an important data center market?
Frankfurt is a key location for data center development due to its strategic position in Europe, advanced infrastructure, and the increasing demand for digital and cloud services.