First YEXIO Data Centre in Heiligenhaus enters Operation

Heiligenhaus is becoming a digital pioneer: today, Germany’s first YEXIO data centre has entered operation – a milestone for sustainable digital infrastructure. The project, delivered by HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions and Palladio Partners, marks the launch of a nationwide network of 15 decentralised edge data centres. As a result, the Düsseldorf–Essen–Wuppertal region now has state-of-the-art digital infrastructure at its disposal.

The new data centre will serve as a central hub for forward-looking digital services. As the main user of the new site, Yorizon will provide sustainable cloud computing and green IT services. The target groups range from software and platform providers to medium-sized and large companies as well as the public sector.

Data centre strengthens regional competitiveness
A key advantage of the YEXIO data centre is its geographical proximity to the regional economy, which shortens data-transfer times and strengthens sovereignty – a central prerequisite for remaining economically strong and digitally capable in geopolitically challenging times. Companies can process and store their data locally – an important factor for applications in the rapidly growing fields of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Located on a site of around 9,000 square metres in the Heiligenhaus Innovation Park, the high-tech facility meets the highest security requirements. Alongside cost-efficient operations over the full life cycle, sustainability is a key pillar: HOCHTIEF built the facility using mass-timber construction, reducing the carbon footprint by 600 tonnes compared with conventional methods. A green façade promotes biodiversity. During operation, an innovative water-cooling system ensures high energy efficiency. The waste heat generated is used directly to supply the municipal swimming pool in Heiligenhaus – an example of intelligent sector coupling.

Rising demand for computing capacity
Experts expect the global market for investment in data centres to grow by almost 20 per cent per year until 2030. For edge data centres, research company IMARC forecasts an increase in the global market from around USD 13 billion (2024) to an estimated USD 48 billion (2033). This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 15.6 per cent – a trend that also applies to Germany. “With YEXIO, we bring digital capability to where it is needed – directly into the regions. This strengthens competitiveness, ensures data sovereignty and is sustainable,” says Bernd Holtwick, Managing Director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions GmbH.

Over the coming years, a consortium of HOCHTIEF and Palladio Partners will invest in a network of decentralised YEXIO data centres across Germany. Five locations – including Heiligenhaus – are already under way or secured. HOCHTIEF is responsible for planning, construction, operation and asset management. The YEXIO data centres are operated by HOCHTIEF together with Thomas-Krenn.AG. In addition to capital and structuring expertise, Palladio Partners contributes a strong network for identifying suitable locations and partners for sector coupling in cooperation with local authorities.

HOCHTIEF recognised the development of the data-centre market at an early stage and has established itself as one of the world’s leading providers. Delivered projects totalling around 6 gigawatts and a high data-centre order book underline the strong market position of the Goup.

Setting sustainable benchmarks for digital infrastructure
Michael Beck, Mayor of Heiligenhaus, says: “Commissioning the YEXIO data centre is a significant step for our innovation park and the entire city. It underlines our commitment to combining technological progress with sustainability. The location offers companies that value close-to-site and secure data processing an attractive infrastructure and therefore strengthens our position in regional competition.”

With the project in Heiligenhaus, investor Palladio Partners is continuing its strategy of channelling pension-fund capital specifically into the expansion of digital infrastructure in Germany. “The YEXIO data center is a prime example of how, together with investors and a strong partner such as HOCHTIEF, we are actively shaping the modernisation of critical infrastructure and setting sustainable standards,” says Dr Bernd Kreuter, Managing Partner at Palladio Partners. The company has been among the leading investors in the infrastructure sector for more than a decade. It manages capital for institutional investors, including many from North Rhine-Westphalia, and has been increasingly involved in municipal digitization projects since 2019.

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HOCHTIEF is an engineering-led global infrastructure solutions provider with leading positions in North America, Australia and Europe and a rapidly expanding presence in high-tech, energy transition and sustainable infrastructure markets. With around 43,600 employees and a sales volume of EUR 33.3 billion in 2024, HOCHTIEF is the leading construction management and green building company in the US (through Turner), the largest contractor in the Australia infrastructure services market (CIMIC), a key player in U.S. transportation infrastructure (Flatiron-Dragados) and a renowned civil engineering and building construction company in Europe. The Group’s PPP and infrastructure development activity is complemented by its 20% stake in the leading international toll road concessions operator Abertis. HOCHTIEF’s strong competitive position is underpinned by the Group’s engineering know-how, innovative digital systems and supply chain & logistics solutions. Thanks to its long-standing commitment to sustainability, HOCHTIEF, where green projects account for almost 50% of Group sales, has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices since 2006 and is committed to delivering on its ESG agenda including a net-zero target for 2045. Further information is available at www.hochtief.com

HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions develops, implements and operates infrastructure projects in the areas of roads, social infrastructure, energy and digital solutions. With an interdisciplinary approach, the company offers future-proof and sustainable concepts that are both ecologically and economically convincing. Around 300 employees at the locations in Essen and in the business units and offices in Greece, the UK and the Netherlands work together to shape the cities of tomorrow. HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions focuses on a holistic perspective that integrates all aspects of modern urban development - from energy efficiency and digitalisation to sustainable resource management. The company offers its public-sector partners tailor-made solutions that cover the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, combining efficiency, sustainability and future viability. Further information: https://www.hochtief-pppsolutions.de/

Palladio Partners is a leading investment boutique for private markets. The owner-managed specialist for the asset classes of infrastructure investments, private equity and private debt was founded in Frankfurt in 2012, now has around 100 employees and manages more than EUR 10 billion (incl. investment advisory mandates).1 The company manages its own funds and advises investors on implementing their individual investment strategies. Palladio Partners thus offers access to attractive investment opportunities in Germany and globally. Palladio Partners is committed to German infrastructure through investments and active participation in associations such as the IDI - Initiative deutsche Infrastruktur e.V. (German Infrastructure Initiative). Palladio Partners is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI). Further information is available at www.palladio-partners.com 

The town of Heiligenhaus, with a population of just under 28,000, lies between the Ruhr area—bordering Essen—and the state capital Düsseldorf, in the picturesque Niederbergisches Land region. The town is pursuing an ambitious agenda on climate protection and digitalisation, including smart-city initiatives. Heiligenhaus Innovation Park—developed by the wholly owned municipal subsidiary Stadt- und Bodenentwicklungsgesellschaft Heiligenhaus mbH—is a large-scale business park in a prime location, being developed in line with sustainability principles. Construction of the YEXIO data centre marks an important milestone in the park’s development, creating wide-ranging synergies, including for development plots intended for future corporate tenants and additional uses on site. Further information: www.heiligenhaus.de; www.innovationspark-heiligenhaus.de.