The Hague data centre expansion calls for new emergency power solutions

Savvas Bout of Data Facilities Data Center choses ELINEX Power Solutions because of its professionalism, expertise, commitment and excellent cooperation with project leader Jan-Dirk and account manager Tom.

Data Facilities Data Center (DFDC) in The Hague is originally a modal-sized data centre with a focus on Tier II markets. For years, this data centre managed with a modest power and cooling supply. Due to the rapid growth DFDC is experiencing, partly by offering retail colocation services*, the data centre is being expanded and equipped with a new grid connection. Managing director Savvas Bout enlisted the help of ELINEX Power Solutions to help expand and build the required infrastructure in power supply.

Multi-megawatt expansion supported by ELINEX

Savvas explains the first phase of this major expansion: ‘We are in the midst of preparations. Due to the strong growth we are currently experiencing, we have already reinforced and replaced several parts of the existing infrastructure as a bridging measure. In November, among other things, the first  Centiel UPS, supplied by ELINEX, was successfully commissioned.’

But it does not stop with the delivery and installation of this  Centiel UPS. In fact, the system is part of a much larger project. The fast-growing data centre in The Hague will undergo a multi-megawatt expansion in the near future, requiring an entirely new electrical infrastructure. To continue ensuring the operational continuity and reliability of the data centre, ELINEX will supply several UPS systems in the upcoming period. As the main supplier of these emergency power supplies DFDC will support the data centre's major expansion by ensuring a reliable and continuous power supply.

The installed modular UPS from Centiel StratusPower UPS has the biggest advantage of a design life of no less than 15 years. ‘This applies to all wear-sensitive components,’ explains Savvas. ‘Think fans and capacitors. Interim replacement during the normal life of the UPS is not necessary. Parts are expensive, especially in relation to the purchase cost. Therefore, 15 years of security and continuity is a huge added value.’

Thanks to this reliable solution, the data centre can continue to grow without worrying about wear and tear or interim replacements.

Why choose ELINEX?

Savvas doesn't have to think long about that question: ‘ELINEX is a highly professional party with an enormous amount of expertise. Very collaborative and willing. They also helped us with the design of the infrastructure. I also found their involvement in the preliminary process extremely pleasant.’ Power failure or power outage is the worst thing that can happen in a data centre. That is why DFDC uses Emergency Power Generator (NSA)  in addition to UPSs. ‘This infrastructure was already in place, but will also be extended during this project,’ Savvas outlines.

The project leader for this project from ELINEX was Jan-Dirk, assisted by account manager Tom. Savvas Bout is very pleased with both gentlemen. ‘Short lines of communication, clear information and tremendous helpfulness sum up the cooperation well,’ he says.

About DFDC The Hague

Data Facilities Data Centers (DFDC) is a leading, carrier-neutral colocation provider and part of Ellada Holdings. DFDC's origins date back to 2012, when its first facility was established in Spijkenisse. An expansion to The Hague followed in 2014, where the data centre was initially deployed for IaaS services.

Following a strategic change of direction in 2023, it was decided to further develop DFDC The Hague as an independent brand, with a strong focus on carrier-neutral colocation. This led to the acquisition of the data centre premises by Ellada Holdings in 2024 and the start of a large-scale expansion.

To support the growing demand for colocation services, the data centre will be further developed to Tier 3 standards. As part of this plan, two new grid connections of 1.75 MW each will be built, significantly increasing DFDC's capacity. The collaboration with ELINEX allowed the design to be completed quickly and effectively, ensuring a solid and future-proof power supply.

*What is colocation?
Colocation is a service where the customer places their own physical server in the server cabinet of a hosting provider. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a professional data centre without having to bear the burden.