KIT is building a new data center for AI and scientific computing. The facility is intended to provide researchers, universities, and public institutions in Baden-Württemberg with additional computing capacity for data-intensive applications, AI workloads, and scientific simulations. The federal and state governments are funding the construction with a total of 24 million euros.
Initially, an electrical capacity of approximately two megawatts will be available to run several large-scale simulation and AI applications in parallel. However, thanks to its modular design and a power connection of up to ten megawatts, the infrastructure can be expanded to meet future demand. The first computing systems are scheduled to go online in 2030 and will supplement or replace existing SCC systems at KIT.
A key focus of the concept is the flexible use of computing resources. The plan is to shift capacity between AI applications and traditional HPC simulations depending on demand in order to increase computer utilization. The data center is being built on KIT’s Campus North, in the immediate vicinity of the existing combined heat and power plant. The resulting waste heat will be fed into the local heating network via heat pumps, thereby helping to supply the buildings.
Construction is scheduled to begin shortly and be completed by the end of 2029. The project is part of the government’s "Schnellbauinitiative" for scientific and digital infrastructure.
KIT press release (german only)