Hitachi Energy to Power Kauri CAB Data Center in Frankfurt with Advanced Grid Connection

Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has secured an order to deliver an advanced grid connection solution for a new data center developed by Kauri CAB Digital Infrastructure in Frankfurt, Germany. The project addresses the rising electricity demand in the region, driven by increasing electrification and the growing energy needs of artificial intelligence, which are placing significant pressure on the power grid.

The solution involves a dedicated 110kV grid connection engineered for high reliability with a compact footprint. This design enables efficient integration of the data center into a constrained urban energy environment, where space optimization and proximity to demand hubs are critical. By reinforcing the interface between the transmission and distribution grids, the project supports the stable accommodation of growing electricity demand at the edge of the system.

“Power systems are evolving faster than at any point in recent history, shifting from stable, centrally planned networks to highly dynamic systems that must integrate concentrated new demand, variable power flows and rising resilience requirements. The edge of the grid is increasingly where many of these pressures converge,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy. “By delivering compact and advanced grid connections, we help customers such as Kauri CAB move forward with confidence, while strengthening the resilience of the broader electricity system and further reinforcing our strong position in the data center market.”

Electricity demand is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with global consumption projected to rise by approximately 50 percent by 2050. Digitalization, particularly the rapid expansion of data centers, is a key driver of this growth, introducing large, concentrated loads to power systems traditionally designed for more stable and predictable demand profiles. Secure and reliable access to electricity has become a critical enabler for data center operations, as digital infrastructure supports core economic activities including cloud computing and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Across Europe, addressing this demand will require substantial investment, with industry estimates suggesting that approximately €67 billion per year will be needed in distribution grids alone through 2030 to mitigate congestion and avoid delays in connecting new loads.

The Kauri CAB project demonstrates how close collaboration between infrastructure developers and grid experts can reduce connection risks, accelerate implementation, and ensure the reliable integration of new demand. It further reinforces Hitachi Energy’s role as a trusted partner to data center developers and utilities, supporting both the expansion of digital infrastructure and the broader energy transition.