Frankfurt/Main, March 11, 2025. firstcolo GmbH already operates two data centers in Frankfurt and is now expanding with a new location in Rosbach vor der Höhe. From there, the colocation provider delivers its data center and IT services to customers in 33 countries. “With the construction of this data center, we are taking the next step toward a new generation of high-performance data centers with a total capacity of 24 megawatts (MW). Like all our locations, we will operate this one using 100% renewable energy,” reports Jerome Evans, founder and CEO of firstcolo GmbH. “The facility will be one of the most modern data centers in Germany, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. Our goal is for it to become one of the most energy-efficient data centers in Germany.”
To keep the environmental impact as low as possible, firstcolo relies on a variety of sustainability measures. These include highly efficient LED outdoor lighting with demand-based control to protect nocturnal animals, for example. The new data center will cover an area of 11,555 square meters, with a total investment of 250 million euros. The opening is planned for early 2027. The construction project is part of a comprehensive growth strategy: by 2030, firstcolo plans to build several more data centers in Germany.
The data center will operate 24/7. Part of the workforce will continue to work remotely, while the rest will work on-site in a three-shift operation. “This keeps the demand for parking low. At the same time, we want to increase our headcount in the long term and thus create high-quality jobs in Rosbach,” Evans explains.
But the city benefits from more than just new jobs and trade tax revenue: a key advantage is the opportunity to use the data center’s waste heat free of charge. “For a period of 20 years, Rosbach can use the waste heat for a local or regional heating network yet to be established, for example,” explains Evans. “In addition, we handle the recycling of electronic waste generated during operations.” The major project is financed by the asset management company Cube Infrastructure Managers.
The new data center will also be presented at the leading event for internet infrastructure, CloudFest at Europa-Park Rust. As a Diamond Partner, firstcolo will present at booth D01 with detailed information about the new location – including a film.
Additionally, Jerome Evans will participate as a speaker in a panel discussion on “Scaling AI: How Data Centers are Evolving to Meet Tomorrow’s Demands.” “AI is not only changing the way we process data, but also how we develop the infrastructure for its processing. In view of increasing rack densities, new cooling technologies, and the growing energy shortage in metropolitan areas, data center operators must rethink their strategies,” says Evans.
The discussion highlights how next-generation data centers can balance powerful AI workloads with sustainability, regulatory requirements, and current investment trends. The panel will take place on Tuesday, March 18, from 4:35 PM to 4:55 PM on the main stage of the CloudFest trade fair. Alongside Evans, two other panel participants will speak on stage: Alexander Klein, Managing Director of KUA dc solutions GmbH and architect of the data center, and Luke Armstrong, Technical Director at Black & White Engineering.
Visual material for download:
Visualizations of the planned new firstcolo GmbH data center in Rosbach near Frankfurt/M.
