The importance of data centers as an asset class for the construction industry

The market forecasts for data centers are impressive. For Germany, the Datacenter Impact Report Germany 2024 by the German Datacenter Association (GDA) estimates investments in colocation data centers to exceed 24 billion euros by 2029. Here, the companies set up their own servers, storage systems and network equipment on the premises of the data center. In addition, according to the market forecast, there will be around EUR 4.2 billion in construction investments by major players such as Google and Microsoft in so-called hyperscale data centers. Hyperscale data centers are known for their extreme scalability and efficiency and are usually operated directly by the big technology companies for their cloud services. In Germany, the metropolitan regions of the Internet hubs of Berlin-Brandenburg and Frankfurt am Main will benefit from this development. But according to the study, regions such as Düsseldorf and Nuremberg will also participate in the growth of this real estate class.

These figures illustrate the enormous potential and dynamic development of the data center market in Germany and underline that this asset class will be indispensable for the construction industry in the coming years. Because digitization is a megatrend. It is fundamentally changing not only the way we live, but also how we will work now and in the future. "Digitization is a key factor. It stands for innovation, competitiveness and growth in many areas.

The construction of data centers comes with specific challenges. These include:

1. Siting: Choosing the right location is crucial and requires careful evaluation of factors such as access to the electricity grid, proximity to internet hubs, availability of skilled workers and potential environmental impacts.
2. Energy efficiency: Data centers must be constantly supplied with sufficient electrical energy. Innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption, such as the use of renewable energy and advanced cooling systems, are essential. The use of waste heat generated during the cooling of the servers is also becoming increasingly important. The potential of waste heat is to be used in the future by feeding it into local heating networks or heating neighbouring buildings. In Germany, this is anchored in the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). All data centers that go into operation after 01.07.2026 must meet defined effectiveness values for energy consumption and specifications for waste heat utilization.
3. IT security requirements: Protecting sensitive data requires comprehensive security measures that include both physical and digital aspects.
4. Lean methods: complex approval procedures, complete transparency of construction processes, ambitious schedules for implementation and the highest demands on technical building equipment make the consistent use of lean methods in project work and management necessary.
5. Building Information Modelling (BIM): The construction of data centers places high demands on the planning and coordination of construction processes. Structural challenges, interfaces and possible structural collisions, e.g. in the field of building technology, must be identified and solved at an early stage in order to ensure quality and deadlines. The use of BIM enables digital modelling of all relevant aspects of the structure, which promotes improved collaboration between all project participants and increased transparency in the project.

It is precisely because of these challenges that the construction of data centers offers considerable potential for innovative companies in the construction industry. The demand for fast and efficient construction processes can be met through the consistent use of lean methods, which create transparency in the construction process, shorten construction time and significantly increase efficiency. In addition, the integration of sustainable technologies in the field of technical building equipment including energy-efficient solutions opens up new business opportunities.

PORR has already implemented several important data centres. A current example under construction is the BER12 data center in Ludwigsfelde near Berlin. This state-of-the-art two-storey building covers an area of 11,400 m2 and offers extensive technological infrastructure, including advanced cooling systems and independent power lines.

In Austria, PORR has implemented the DC01 data centre in Vienna. This project covers a total area of 7,200^m2. The data center is characterized by its advanced infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the highest efficiency and security. Another project is the WAW 11.1 data center in Warsaw, which has a total area of 6,730 m2. comprises. In the Frankfurt am Main region, PORR is currently about to start further projects. These underline PORR's important role in the development and construction of data centres, which serve as the backbone of the modern digital economy.

The construction industry is faced with the exciting task of creating the infrastructure for the digital future. Data centers as an asset class offer not only economic opportunities, but also the opportunity to make a significant contribution to digital transformation through innovative construction methods and sustainable technologies.