Data Center Operations ModelFree Financial Model Download

This data centre operations model forecasts the unit economics of running a facility renting colocation space and power to enterprise, cloud, and hyperscale customers. It projects installed capacity (MW available), leased capacity (MW sold), occupancy ramp, and pricing across wholesale (low $/kW/month, long-term contracts) and retail colocation (high $/kW/month, shorter terms). Revenue includes space rent (leased kW × MRC), power pass-through (kWh × PUE × electricity rate, typically at cost plus small admin margin), and interconnection fees (per cross-connect port). The model includes customer segments (Amazon, Google, enterprise, carrier) with different pricing and lock-in terms.

The model includes a capacity ramp schedule showing lease-up from opening through stabilised occupancy (70–90%); a revenue builder with space rent, power, and interconnection fees independently calculated; an operating cost section covering facility staff (engineers, security), property taxes and insurance, maintenance capex (2–4% of revenue), and SG&A. Power costs are the primary variable cost and scale linearly with occupancy and PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness, typically 1.35x in this model). A debt schedule projects project finance or secured term loan drawdown during construction, conversion to amortising term loan at stabilisation, and DSCR covenant compliance.

This model is used by infrastructure funds evaluating data centre development or acquisition; operators managing capacity planning and pricing strategy; lenders sizing project finance facilities; and equity investors assessing the IRR and equity multiple on stabilised sites. It addresses the unique challenge of capital-heavy facilities with 5–8 year payback periods and long-term customer contracts providing revenue visibility.