Introducing FRA18: A Revolutionary Data Center at Digital Park Fechenheim
Located in the historic former Neckermann headquarters, FRA18 is the latest addition to Digital Realty’s Digital Park Fechenheim campus, combining innovation, sustainability, and architectural heritage in a unique way.
Unleashing the Power of High-Performance Computing and AI
Spanning 8,200 square meters, FRA18 offers a total IT capacity of 16 megawatts (MW) tailored for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The facility kicks off with an initial 6.4MW capacity in phase one, with plans to add an extra 9.6MW in subsequent phases.
Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure optimized for AI and HPC applications, FRA18 incorporates advanced liquid cooling technology to maximize efficiency and performance. The integration of ServiceFabric™ enhances data security and connectivity, granting customers seamless access to SCION (Scalability, Control, and Isolation On Next-Generation Networks) – a secure internet protocol crucial for industries like finance and pharmaceuticals.
Preserving Architectural Heritage with a Sustainable Twist
Volker Ludwig, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DACH, at Digital Realty, emphasizes the commitment to innovation and historic preservation at Digital Park Fechenheim. Repurposing the Egon Eiermann-designed building underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability.
The iconic building retains its original features, such as staircases, balconies, and a rainwater management system, while former distribution floors have been transformed into state-of-the-art data halls. Sustainability plays a vital role in the development, with a focus on renaturation strategies to create green spaces and restore land for biodiversity and groundwater regeneration. An innovative heat reuse system repurposes residual heat from the facility, further enhancing sustainability efforts.
Embracing Responsible Development and Environmental Stewardship
Volker Ludwig highlights the milestone as a testament to Digital Realty’s commitment to responsible development and sustainable innovation. Collaboration with the City of Frankfurt and the State of Hesse has resulted in a concept that aligns with heritage preservation requirements while showcasing Digital’s dedication to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
With FRA18 at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and sustainability, Digital Realty continues to pave the way for responsible data center development and environmental conservation.
