Groundbreaking ceremony for new data center campus in Berlin's Marienpark

VIRTUS Data Centres celebrates the groundbreaking of its first German data center campus in Berlin’s Marienpark, joined by representatives from politics, business, and the local district. The new campus will include four buildings with a total IT capacity of 57.6 megawatts (MW), underscoring VIRTUS Data Centres’ strong commitment to the Berlin location. As a leading data center provider, VIRTUS is creating a high-performance platform to meet growing demands in digital sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and sustainable IT infrastructure. Additionally, VIRTUS will collaborate with DATA2HEAT—a joint venture between Investa Real Estate and GASAG Solution Plus—to harness the waste heat generated by the data center and feed it into a local heating network. With this, VIRTUS actively embraces its responsibility for sustainability.

Berlin as a strategic growth hub for digital infrastructure

As one of Europe’s fastest-growing data center markets, Berlin is a strategic hub for VIRTUS Data Centres. The new campus is being developed in Marienpark, a former industrial site now transformed into a forward-looking innovation district with a focus on artificial intelligence, life sciences & laboratories, additive manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Its excellent connectivity to central Berlin and the international airport further enhances the site's appeal for national and international clients alike.

Infrastructure meets research and entrepreneurship

The VIRTUS campus will be purposefully integrated into Marienpark’s existing innovation ecosystem. Located near initiatives such as KI Park Deutschland, the environment will intelligently link research, high-performance computing, and scalable IT infrastructure. VIRTUS plans to work closely with regional partners and technology-driven companies to collaboratively develop solutions for the growing challenges of AI advancement.

Focus on digitalization, sustainability, and European competitiveness

During the ceremony, high-profile speakers emphasized the strategic relevance of the project:

Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Enterprises: “The new VIRTUS data center in Marienpark will serve as an innovative digital backbone for cloud, AI, and high-performance applications in Berlin. Researchers, startups, and industries will benefit from a powerful infrastructure that enables and accelerates digital innovation. Its resource-efficient operation—such as using waste heat—advances the sustainable transformation of the historic Marienpark into an innovative technology district. This project is a major contribution to our economic goal of making Berlin Europe’s number one innovation location, where economic strength, innovation, and sustainability go hand in hand.”

Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe: “With the launch of the 90 MW data center in Berlin, Virtus continues to support Europe’s digital transformation. As a UK-based company with a long track record in delivering high-performance, energy-efficient facilities, VIRTUS brings valuable expertise to the heart of Europe. This development aligns closely with the UK’s modern industrial strategy, which promotes international collaboration. Strengthening relationships with key partners like Germany is essential as we work together to meet the growing demands of the digital age.”

Michael Dada, Managing Director Germany at VIRTUS Data Centres: “With this campus, we are making a clear commitment to Berlin. We are not only investing in digital infrastructure but also creating a sustainable foundation for the future resilience of the economy and society.”

Georg Friedrichs, CEO of GASAG, emphasized the pioneering nature of the planned waste heat utilization: “At the GASAG Group, we strongly focus on using waste heat from data centers. Here in Berlin, we demonstrate how digitalization and the energy transition can go hand in hand—climate-friendly, efficient, and future-ready.”

Waste heat utilization as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure

A core element of the new campus is its integration into the DATA2HEAT project. VIRTUS will use the waste heat generated during data center operations and feed it into the local heating grid to provide climate-friendly heating to nearby residential areas. Once the full 57.6 MW capacity is utilized, the campus could supply sustainable local heat to approximately 5,000 households. This aligns with key EU taxonomy criteria, actively reduces emissions, and reinforces VIRTUS' ambition to lead in sustainability.

Scalable, secure, high-performance – for hyperscalers, government, and enterprises

The campus will consist of four modern buildings designed to meet the needs of hyperscalers, public authorities, and large enterprises. In addition to classic colocation services, VIRTUS offers a broad portfolio of hosting, cloud, and high-performance computing solutions—all built to the highest standards in energy efficiency, security, and sustainability.

A project with international significance

The event featured keynotes, expert insights, and a guided tour through Marienpark, creating opportunities for exchange, networking, and deeper insight into VIRTUS VISION’s future strategy. Guests included representatives of the UK government, KI Park e.V., DATA2HEAT, and numerous stakeholders from politics, construction, research, and the digital economy.

About VIRTUS Data Centres:
VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS) is an established, globally leading data center provider and the fastest-growing data center operator in Europe, committed to delivering reliable, resilient, and responsible digital infrastructure. As part of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), VIRTUS is the home of the cloud in London and at the heart of Europe.

With over a decade of experience in developing and operating some of the world’s most efficient data centers, VIRTUS is dedicated to the highest standards of operational excellence—security and availability—and employs top talent in a sector that is becoming increasingly vital to all industries.

About DATA2HEAT:
DATA2HEAT is a joint venture between GASAG Solution Plus GmbH and Investa Real Estate. The company implements projects to utilize waste heat from data centers. Leveraging years of experience in energy solutions and neighborhood development, DATA2HEAT enables clients to access sustainable, local heating. The company is responsible for planning, construction, investment, and operation of the necessary energy infrastructure.
More information: data2heat.de

About Investa Real Estate:
Since 1972, Investa Real Estate has been developing and operating real estate projects across Germany. The company’s service portfolio focuses on the development of neighborhoods, residential buildings, hotels, healthcare centers, and office and administrative buildings. Since 2013, Investa Capital Management GmbH has been managing innovative investment models for institutional investors. The subsidiary e-shelter security combines digital technologies with building automation and innovative security solutions.
More information: investa.de

About GASAG Solution Plus:
GASAG Solution Plus, a subsidiary of the GASAG Group, is dedicated to providing green heating, cooling, and energy solutions. The energy services provider works closely with clients to develop customized plans to guide them toward a fossil-free future. With expertise in energy concepts, the company reliably plans and implements projects on schedule while ensuring long-term supply commitments.
More information: gasag-solution.de


For further information about the growth industries, economic development, business and technology support for companies, investors and scientific institutions in the Airport Region Berlin Brandenburg please contact:

Sandra Koletzki ​​​​​​ | sandra.koletzki(at)airport-region.de
 
(Source: GASAG Solution Plus, 06|06|2025 | "Groundbreaking for new data centre campus in Berlin's Marienpark")