Due to dynamic technological development, the demand for data centers is growing. However, there are still significantly fewer such facilities in Poland than in other European capitals. What's worth knowing when planning to purchase a plot of land for a data center?
Data center – what is it?
A data center is a building, group of buildings, or room where IT infrastructure is housed, including servers and network infrastructure . It is primarily used for storage, processing, and providing application-related services. Data centers are often called the new commercial real estate sector. Most of these facilities are located in cities like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris . In Berlin, Oslo, Vienna, Prague, and Warsaw, the number of data centers is slightly lower.
Want to learn more about the commercial real estate market? Check out our article on the Commercial Real Estate Market Guide .
Data processing centers in Poland
Companies belonging to the most popular public cloud providers, Microsoft and Google Cloud , are planning investments in large data centers in Poland. At the end of last year, the supply of such space in Poland reached 115,000 m² . In October 2023, Atman, the market leader in Poland, also began construction of a data center near Ożarów Mazowiecki. A 15,000 m² data center is already in place in Jawczyce, near Warsaw, and work is underway on a second building nearby. A four-building development is planned there.
How to choose a plot of land for a data center?
When searching for land for a data center, you need to consider several specific factors. The key one is the facility's location – this is crucial to ensuring reliable internet access . What else should you consider when choosing a plot of land for a data center?
Suitable location
One of the key factors to consider when choosing a plot for a data center is location. A data center is a location that particularly requires reliable power and internet access . When looking for a plot for this type of facility, it's worth checking whether it offers access to high-speed fiber-optic internet connections, preferably from several different providers . For example, one of Orange's properties designated for a data center provides access to both the services of this operator and other operators connected to its network . It's also important not to locate the data center close to facilities or areas that could threaten the data center's operation. This includes areas prone to flooding or fire .
Technical issues
When selecting a plot of land for a data center, it's important to consider the geomechanical properties of the soil . Geotechnical studies are recommended to help:
- check the bearing capacity of the plot ;
- assess the risk of problems such as foundation collapse ;
- determine the groundwater level .
This will allow for measures to be taken to protect the ground from threats such as flooding. It's also worth installing monitoring on the premises.
Appropriate plot size
The plot for a data center should also be of appropriate dimensions. Otherwise, it may not be able to accommodate the entire facility . Typically, land areas of 2-5 hectares are considered. In city centers, data centers are sometimes located within new office buildings . It's beneficial if, after the data center is built, it can be expanded or even completely repurposed, so it's worth considering planning considerations.