Global Technical Realty (GTR), with the backing of KKR’s third global infrastructure fund, has revealed plans to establish its first data center in Spain. The company recently acquired a prime development site in Barcelona, marking a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for data center infrastructure in the region.
Acquisition of the data center development site
GTR has announced the successful acquisition of its first data center development site in Spain. Strategically located on Parc de l’Alba in Cerdanyola del Vallès, just outside Barcelona, the 15,000 square meter plot boasts immense potential. With the capacity to accommodate up to 16MW of IT load, this site presents an ideal foundation for GTR’s ambitious data center project.
Barcelona’s Economic Significance
Barcelona holds the distinction of being the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the European Union and boasts the largest economy by GDP on the Mediterranean Sea. This thriving city has witnessed a surge in business and technological advancements, making it an attractive destination for data center investment. As a result, the data center market in Barcelona is projected to experience rapid growth, providing ample opportunities for GTR to establish a strong foothold.
Plans for the data center
GTR’s vision for the data center in Barcelona is to create a state-of-the-art facility that caters to the growing cloud requirements of businesses in the region. The company aims to provide a highly secure environment that prioritizes the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data. Additionally, GTR is committed to employing renewable energy sources to minimize the carbon footprint of the facility, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals.
KKR’s Commitment to the Data Center Market
In May 2020, KKR unveiled plans to invest $1 billion in setting up a new hyperscale data center player in Europe. This commitment underscores KKR’s recognition of the immense potential in the data center market. By providing support to GTR’s data center development in Barcelona, KKR is further solidifying its dedication to advancing data center infrastructure across the continent.
Success of GTR’s GB One Campus
GTR’s recent achievement in the data center market includes the fully pre-leased 40.5MW GB One campus situated outside London. This accomplishment highlights GTR’s credibility and expertise in delivering cutting-edge and highly sought-after data center facilities. Building on this success, GTR aims to replicate its achievements in Barcelona and elevate the region’s digital infrastructure to new heights.
Timeline for the Barcelona Data Center Development
The development of the data center in Barcelona will be completed in phases. The first phase is scheduled to be finalized by spring 2024, with subsequent phases progressing towards the delivery of all three buildings in early 2025. This timeline indicates that GTR is committed to expediting the development process to cater to the urgent demand for data center infrastructure in the region.
The decision by Global Technical Realty to develop a data center in Barcelona is a clear testament to the region’s economic significance and its growing demand for secure and efficient data storage solutions. Backed by KKR’s support and expertise in the data center market, GTR is well-positioned to establish a state-of-the-art facility that caters to cloud requirements while prioritizing sustainability. As the Barcelona data center project progresses, it is expected to further enhance the region’s digital infrastructure and contribute to its thriving economy.