BESIX, in a temporary partnership with key MEP provider Equans, has been awarded a significant contract to design and construct a cutting-edge 40MVA data center in Neder-Over-Heembeek, Belgium, by KEVLINX.
KEVLINX is a leading provider of high-performance data centers, specifically targeted at large-scale enterprises, governments, and cloud companies in need of flexible colocation or dedicated wholesale space that must meet the highest standards in redundancy, security, and energy efficiency.
The scope of the contract for BESIX-Equans encompasses the design and construction of a state-of-the-art, turn-key data center. BESIX is responsible for the design and construction of the civil, structural, and architectural elements, while Equans will execute the design and installation of the MEP elements. The facility must adhere to internationally recognized accreditations and meet the stringent Tier III Uptime Institute standards. This means meticulous planning and implementation to ensure a high level of reliability and resilience in operations, with redundant components such as backup generators and multiple distribution paths in place to facilitate maintenance without disrupting critical operations.
"Equans has the unique expertise in designing, building, and securing IT spaces and has already furnished more than 30,000 m² of data center space. We act as a unique point of contact and we can also rely on the extensive experience within the Bouygues group to which Equans belongs," explains Jeroen Derveaux, Department Manager DBFMO. "We take care of all the techniques, both inside and outside. From HVAC over cooling and power supply, fire and security installations and more. The Early Contractor Involvement and development phase with BESIX and KEVLINX have created maximum synergy and mutual trust between all parties involved throughout the project. Our internal Mechanical and Electrical departments, with their extensive know-how and expertise, also contribute to this smooth cooperation."
The site will accommodate a total power availability of 40MVA, developed in two distinct phases with further expansion potential available on campus. BESIX is proud to be responsible for the first phase of this ambitious project.
Tom Cnudde, Business Development Director at BESIX Belgium-Luxembourg, commented, “This project, developed over several years, showcases BESIX's unwavering commitment and expertise. We are proud to design and build infrastructure that meets the ever-growing digital demands of citizens and communities in close collaboration with our partners and clients. Data centers are highly complex infrastructure assets. Particularly important in this project are the specific design aspects such as ventilation, prevention of overheating, fire safety, acoustics and security. We rely on our teams’ vast experience in designing and constructing similar intricate projects to successfully deliver this critical asset.”
About BESIX
BESIX is a leading Belgian group, based in Brussels and operating in 25 countries and on 5 continents, in the construction, real estate development and concessions sectors. Active since 1909, its iconic achievements include Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels as well as the Grand Egyptian Museum, on the Giza pyramids plateau. The Group's inhouse engineering department enables BESIX to carry out complex and unique projects, particularly in terms of technical and environmental aspects.
About Equans
Equans is a global leader in the energy and services sector, operating in 20 countries, with 95,000 employees* across five continents and annual sales of more than €17 billion**. Equans designs, installs and delivers customised solutions to improve its customers' installations, systems and technical processes and optimise their use as part of their energy, industrial and digital transition. With a strong local presence coupled with its historic local brands and excellent technical know-how, Equans' highly qualified experts are able to support cities, industries and buildings in the areas of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), cooling and fire safety, facility management, digital and ICT, electrical, mechanical and robotics. Equans is a leader in key European markets (France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK) and is also well positioned in the US and Latin America. Equans is a company of the Bouygues group.
* Combined figure (Equans+ Bouygues Energies & Services) on 31 December 2022 ** Combined turnover 2021 (Equans+ Bouygues Energies & Services), unaudited data
About Equans BeLux
In Belgium and Luxembourg, Equans' clients can count on more than 70 years of know-how and experience in multi-technical services. With our 9 600 employees spread over more than 56 branches, we have strong local roots and are always close to our customers. In 2021, Equans BeLux achieved a turnover of EUR 1.9 billion.