• Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst inaugurates decentralized edge data center
• Second site of the planned European network developed by HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions and Palladio Partners
• Decentralized data processing strengthens regional economic development and municipal infrastructure 

The second YEXIO data center in Germany has commenced operations in Bad Lippspringe. Developed and financed by HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions and Palladio Partners, the facility in the Paderborn district forms part of a planned European network of decentralized edge data centers. The site strengthens regional digital infrastructure and is expected to contribute to municipal heat supply in the future through the utilization of waste heat generated during operations. 

Minister-President Hendrik Wüst said: “Modern, sustainable data centers are the cornerstone of the digital future. They strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia as a business location, bolster our digital sovereignty and lay the foundations for innovation. North Rhine-Westphalia is consistently pursuing the transition from coal to AI. To achieve this, we need a high-performance digital infrastructure that reaches our small and medium-sized enterprises across the region and opens new opportunities. The new YEXIO data center in Bad Lippspringe makes an important contribution to this: it brings modern computing power close to businesses and strengthens the region’s competitiveness. The planned use of waste heat for the local heating supply demonstrates how digital infrastructure and sustainable energy supply can work together at a local level. This is how we are shaping the digital future of our state in very concrete terms.”

With an initial capacity of two megawatts, the facility enables data processing close to businesses and users. This supports high-performance digital applications, reduces data transmission times, and enhances the competitiveness of the regional economy. 

Following the completion of the Heiligenhaus facility, Bad Lippspringe is the second data center completed through the partnership between HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions and Palladio Partners. Additional sites in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria are under construction and a total of 25 European edge data centers are planned. Approximately two-thirds of YEXIO’s existing data center capacity has been sold. 
Juan Santamaría, CEO of HOCHTIEF, said: “YEXIO is more than the completion of a successful project. It reflects a belief that has shaped our strategy for many years: the transformation of our economies requires a new generation of infrastructure. Infrastructure that combines digital capability with energy efficiency and delivers value over the long term.” 

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the planning and construction process. The building was constructed using mass timber and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 600 metric tons compared with a reinforced-concrete structure. Waste heat generated during operation is intended to be integrated into the planned municipal heating network, contributing to sustainable local energy supply. 

Dr. Bernd Kreuter, Managing Director of Palladio Partners, said: “Data centers are one of the fastest-growing infrastructure sectors. As energy demand rises, the question of how to operate digital infrastructure sustainably and cost-effectively is becoming increasingly important. YEXIO demonstrates that innovative energy concepts and integration into regional supply networks can contribute to this.”