With a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony, the Data Center Group, together with the executive board of the Caritas Hospital, launched the construction of a new data center last Monday. For the Data Center Group, this project marks another important milestone in its collaboration with the BBT Group to strengthen the digital infrastructure in the healthcare sector over the long term.
“The construction of the data center is a central investment in the future of our hospital,” emphasizes Commercial Director Jeremia Berschauer. “Digitalization has become indispensable in hospitals and will continue to advance. With the data center, we are now creating the structural and technical foundations to be prepared for the challenges of today and the future.”
Server capacity for BBT facilities in the region
The new data center is being built on the grounds of the Caritas Hospital and is designed to meet the growing demand for server capacity and quality standards in the coming years—not only for the Bad Mergentheim location, but also for additional BBT Group facilities in Baden-Württemberg, including the Tauberbischofsheim Hospital, the Hohenlohe Hospital in Öhringen, the Julia Lanz Hospital in Mannheim, as well as the ten BBT senior care centers in the region. From the planning stage, the Data Center Group has taken into account not only current technical requirements but has also reserved additional space for future expansions—such as growth or the integration of AI.
Increased computing power for AI applications in medicine
“The importance of AI applications in medicine is growing rapidly,” emphasizes Dr. Jochen Selbach, Medical Director of the Caritas Hospital. “Even today, AI systems in radiology can analyze vast amounts of data in a short time, detect potential signs of tumors, and support physicians in diagnostics. With the data center, we are creating the foundation for the high computing power required for this.”
Photovoltaic system for power supply
The building is being constructed in modular form on the Caritas Hospital campus, measuring 21 meters in length and seven meters in width. It will include a server room as well as designated areas for electrical distribution, cooling, and security systems. To ensure IT operations, the Data Center Group is planning an emergency power supply via diesel generators. Primary cooling will be provided by the hospital’s existing refrigeration system, supplemented by a backup cooling unit for additional fail-safety. A photovoltaic system will be installed on the building to support sustainable energy supply.
Highest security standards
“With the new data center, we are implementing the highest levels of security and availability in line with modern KRITIS standards,” says Sascha Gerntrup, Head of IT Infrastructure at the BBT Group, who is overseeing the construction on site. “This ensures the reliable provision of all essential IT services to our facilities.”
Completion planned for spring 2026
Following the groundbreaking, earthworks have begun. The modules are scheduled to be installed by the end of the year and then further developed on site. Handover of the building from the Data Center Group to the BBT Group is planned for the end of the first quarter of 2026. The total investment amounts to approximately €3.6 million. Funding has been applied for and approved by the state, although the final amount has not yet been determined.
