firstcolo and Oberhessische Versorgungsbetriebe (OVAG) join forces for a major infrastructure project in the Wetterau region: the construction of a state-of-the-art data center.
Frankfurt/Main / Rosbach vor der Höhe, February 2026. The firstcolo Group (firstcolo) and Oberhessische Versorgungsbetriebe AG (OVAG) are joining forces for a major infrastructure project in the Wetterau region: the construction of a state-of-the-art data center in Rosbach vor der Höhe, scheduled to commence operations at the end of 2027. With a total investment of approximately 250 million euros, a forward-looking digital infrastructure will be created there, offering direct connectivity and sustainable IT capacity to both German and international companies.
OVAG is participating in the project company developing the data center with a 20 percent stake, underscoring the strategic importance and regional anchoring of this initiative.
The data center will be built on an area of over 11,500 square meters and provide IT capacity of up to 24 megawatts. The use of innovative cooling methods enables the operation of high-performance computers and AI applications. The offering will include flexible usage options from single racks to customized IT spaces, and connectivity will feature carrier-neutral access and multiple redundant fiber optic connections.
Through the deployment of forward-looking technologies and the exclusive use of renewable energy, the project sets new standards for energy efficiency as well as for operating demanding AI workloads and high-performance computing scenarios. In addition to the technologically leading infrastructure, the project offers significant benefits for the region: firstcolo and OVAG are providing the city of Rosbach with waste heat free of charge for a period of up to 20 years for local heating or district heating networks, further enhancing energy efficiency and site attractiveness.
Jerome Evans, CEO & Founder of firstcolo, states: “With the data center in Rosbach, we are not only building a high-performance digital hub for companies worldwide, but also a location where energy efficiency, technological excellence, and forward-looking infrastructure go hand in hand. The partnership with OVAG as a regional energy provider strengthens our vision of realizing digital and sustainable infrastructure together with strong partners.” With regard to the benefits for the city of Rosbach, Evans emphasizes: “This cooperation is a milestone for firstcolo and a strong signal for the Rosbach location: we are creating jobs, investing in future-proof technologies, and simultaneously contributing to regional value creation.”
OVAG Executive Board member Joachim Arnold emphasizes: “As a reliable regional utility provider, we bring not only capital but especially our proven expertise in supply security, promotion of regional development, and sustainable commitment to projects. Participation in the project is simultaneously a modern expression of the municipal supply mandate as well as the strategic orientation of the corporate group to combine innovation and public services.”
The Chairman of the Management Board of the entire OVAG Group, Oswin Veith, points out: “Data centers will play an increasingly important role in the future. Especially for our corporate group to ensure fulfillment of the supply mandate. Whether artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or the advancement of digitalization in all areas of life—enormously growing data volumes require growing capacities and infrastructures, both in the form of state-of-the-art data centers and for the provision of electrical power and the delivery of pure, clean drinking water.”
Both managing directors of the OVAG Group, Veith and Arnold, conclude: “Furthermore, the topic of data security is becoming more important, for us as operators of critical infrastructure, but also for municipalities as a whole. With our commitment to the project, we are making a significant contribution to increasing the resilience of our region and to the further development of the region as a location for digital infrastructure.”
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About OVAG:
Oberhessische Versorgungsbetriebe AG (OVAG) has been reliably supplying people in the region with energy and drinking water for over 110 years. In addition to electricity, it is also a contact for gas and heat. As an electricity supplier, it ensures the supply of electricity to around 500,000 people in over 60 cities and municipalities. OVAG is the second-largest drinking water supplier in Hesse, serving 750,000 people. Furthermore, OVAG has been a pioneer in renewable energy for decades and invests particularly in generation projects in the areas of wind and solar farms. Thanks to years of experience in this field, it is also a competent contact for municipalities, businesses, and private individuals when it comes to savings potential, innovative technologies, and climate protection measures. OVAG is also a driving force in the region in the field of e-mobility, for example in the expansion of public and private charging infrastructure.
As an operator of data centers in Germany, firstcolo GmbH, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, provides its customers with the highest level of service quality. In addition to traditional colocation and server system rental, firstcolo’s range of services also includes managed services, security solutions and cloud services.
