Many developers start by looking for "an engineering firm". It is often the right instinct, but not always the right first step. In a data center project, several disciplines follow one another, and the first issue is rarely building design.

DOES YOUR SITUATION LOOK LIKE ONE OF THESE?

The primary substation 4 km away shows capacity, but Enedis mentions reinforcement. Is 12 MW at MV (HTA) realistic?Opening planned in 10 weeks, 400 snags still open and level 4 tests not started.We want to start at 10 MW and scale to 40 MW. Should we request the full 40 MW now?
Xavier WatrelosXavier Watrelos
HV grid connection & industrial projects
Anis MokdedAnis Mokded
Design, commissioning & operationsAll situations →

THE ROLES

Who does what Design engineering firm: designs the installations, writes technical documents, supervises works, and is liable for the design
Owner's representative: represents the developer, defines the brief, runs tenders, controls schedule and cost
Specialist advisor: secures what sets the timeline upstream, grid connection, feasibility, permits, local context, and coordinates experts
Grid operator (RTE, Enedis): processes the connection request and builds grid works
Lawyers and environmental consultants: permits, classified installations, litigation

WHERE TO START

You have land or a site idea, with no secured power. Start with feasibility and grid connection. Without visibility on power and timing, detailed design may have to be redone.

You have an exploratory study or a PTF. Have the offer reviewed, plan phasing, then tender for a design firm.

Your connection is secured. Now is the time for detailed design, with an owner's representative if you have no in-house team.

WHAT WE DO

GridReadiness brings together independent, named engineers and engineering firms, coordinated by a single point of contact. We handle grid connection, feasibility, permits and local context, and work with design firms when the project moves on. See our data center engineering consultancy page.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need an engineering firm for a data center in France?

Yes, for design and works supervision. But first, secure feasibility and the grid connection, which set the project timeline.

Where should a data center project start?

With feasibility and grid connection: available power, date, conditions. Detailed design comes next.