We develop the pre-stage. The operator builds.
A large data centre in Germany rarely fails on capital and rarely on land. It fails on grid connection, on building rights and on time. GDI takes on exactly this pre-stage.
The process in seven steps
Screening
We check transmission nodes, power plant sites and offshore landing points for available or soon-available connection capacity, land and surroundings.
Land security
We secure contiguous land via options, not purchases. Owners remain owners until an operator is confirmed.
Zoning
With municipality and district we run the process for a Sondergebiet Rechenzentrum (special-use zoning for data centres), including the environmental assessment.
Grid connection
We file the application in the transmission system operators' Reifegradverfahren (maturity procedure): land security and permitting status, technical connection concept, capability of the applicant, grid and system benefit.
Energy and heat
We structure direct supply from wind and solar, storage at the connection point, flexibility towards the grid and waste heat use under the EnEfG (Energy Efficiency Act).
Operator selection
We select the operator together with the municipality: hyperscaler, developer or German anchor user, depending on the site.
Handover
The operator takes over land, building rights, connection path and concepts, and builds.
Screening
We check transmission nodes, power plant sites and offshore landing points for available or soon-available connection capacity, land and surroundings.
Land security
We secure contiguous land via options, not purchases. Owners remain owners until an operator is confirmed.
Zoning
With municipality and district we run the process for a Sondergebiet Rechenzentrum (special-use zoning for data centres), including the environmental assessment.
Grid connection
We file the application in the transmission system operators' Reifegradverfahren (maturity procedure): land security and permitting status, technical connection concept, capability of the applicant, grid and system benefit.
Energy and heat
We structure direct supply from wind and solar, storage at the connection point, flexibility towards the grid and waste heat use under the EnEfG (Energy Efficiency Act).
Operator selection
We select the operator together with the municipality: hyperscaler, developer or German anchor user, depending on the site.
Handover
The operator takes over land, building rights, connection path and concepts, and builds.
What a GDI site includes at handover
Documented 380 kV connection path with a staged plan
First stage 100 to 250 MW, expansion to 500 MW and more.
Contiguous land under contract
Around 1,000 to 1,250 m2 per MW.
Formal zoning resolution or statute for a Sondergebiet Rechenzentrum
Special-use zoning for data centers.
Energy concept
Generation, storage, flexibility offer, backup power.
Heat concept with offtakers or a documented exemption
Operator shortlist and handover package for the data room
What we ask of partners
The state
Designate focus regions at transmission nodes, appoint a coordinator for large-load settlements, speed up permitting.
Municipality and district
A clear position, access to owners, the formal zoning resolution as soon as the grid operator has classified the capacity.
Grid operators
A structured dialogue inside the procedure. We work within the Reifegradverfahren, not around it.