SPIE builds AI-enabled data centre for firstcolo in Rosbach vor der Höhe, Germany

Rosbach vor der Höhe, Germany, 30 June 2026 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is working with data centre operator firstcolo to establish a new data centre in Rosbach vor der Höhe. The new facility project, known as FRA7, is designed to deliver 16 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity and will be commissioned and implemented in several phases. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in mid-June.

FRA7 is being developed as a data centre for cloud and AI applications with a high degree of scalability and is designed to handle modern IT workloads. FRA7 is being developed as a data centre for cloud and AI applications with high scalability and is designed to handle modern IT workloads. The infrastructure is specifically tailored to meet requirements in the fields of cloud computing, AI and high-performance computing, and enables power densities of up to several hundred kilowatts per rack. Its operations include, amongst other things, the use of waste heat for regional heating supply over a period of 20 years, as well as a corresponding energy strategy. The data centre will be powered by certified renewable electricity. The aim is to achieve a PUE¹ of less than 1.2 during operation.

SPIE is responsible for the technical implementation of the project using the One SPIE approach, bringing together interdisciplinary expertise from several Operational Divisions and achieving a high in-house delivery rate of 75 per cent. Together with its working group partner Lupp, which is responsible for the structural work, façade and interior outfitting, SPIE is installing all the technical building services and critical infrastructure systems for the data centre.

SPIE’s scope of services includes project management, commissioning and key data centre infrastructure such as emergency power systems, UPS systems, gas fire suppression systems and building automation (SPIE Data Center), electrical installations (SPIE Lück), heating, ventilation, sanitation, cooling and air-conditioning systems (SPIE Wiegel), medium-voltage systems and transformers (SPIE SNG), low-voltage systems, access control and IT systems (SPIE ICS). The development will be completed module for module over several phases, allowing for flexible scaling of capacity and is due for completion by the end of 2028.

“With this project, we are demonstrating what One SPIE stands for: combined multi-technical expertise, reliable implementation and integrated solutions for modern digital infrastructures,” explains Daniel Schmitt, Managing Director of SPIE Data Center GmbH within the Building Technology & Automation Operational Division of SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria. “Data centres are a key component of digital transformation. At the same time, the requirements in terms of energy efficiency are growing. That is precisely where our strength lies.”

Jerome Evans, founder and Managing Director of firstcolo, says: “FRA7 represents the next generation of data centres: high-performance and AI-ready. We are delighted to be partnering with SPIE on this project.”

_{1-PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) is an industry-standard indicator of data centre energy efficiency.}