An innovative data center in Switzerland is revolutionizing energy sustainability by reusing 100% of the electricity it consumes to generate heating in Geneva. The Swiss company Infomaniak, responsible for the project, developed a system that redirects the heat generated by its servers to the canton’s central heating network, benefiting around 6,000 households.
Currently, the center operates at 25% of its capacity, with the goal of reaching full performance by 2028. Once fully operational, it will provide 1.7 megawatts of thermal power, equivalent to heating 6,000 homes annually or allowing 20,000 people to enjoy a five-minute shower each day. This system will help reduce 3,600 tons of CO₂ per year, equivalent to the combustion of 5,500 tons of pellets.
Data centers are critical due to their high energy consumption, but Infomaniak aims to change this reality with a more ecological solution. “In the real world, data centers convert electricity into heat, which is usually wasted into the atmosphere. It is urgent to modernize this practice and connect these infrastructures to heating networks,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of the company.
Infomaniak was recognized for its energy efficiency, as its facilities operate without air conditioning, something uncommon in the industry. Additionally, the company developed underground infrastructures to minimize environmental impact.
## Technology applied to heat recycling.
The Infomaniak system converts the energy used by servers and equipment into heat, reaching temperatures between 40 and 45°C. This heat is then channeled to an air and water exchanger, where heat pumps raise it to 67°C in summer and 85°C in winter, ensuring its efficiency for heating homes.
With the aim of promoting sustainability in the tech industry, Infomaniak made available a free technical guide detailing how other companies can replicate this system. Furthermore, the document provides recommendations for policymakers on optimizing regulations in data center construction, promoting a more sustainable approach in the cloud.
## How to heat your home in an eco-friendly way?
To heat your home in an eco-friendly way, different systems can be used such as pellet stoves or bioethanol, or radiant floor heating systems. You can even take advantage of solar light and insulate windows and doors.
### Eco-friendly heating systems
– Pellet or bioethanol stoves: They are a sustainable and economical option that distributes heat and hot water. Bioethanol stoves are safe, produce no smoke or toxins, and require low maintenance.
– Radiant floor heating system: It is an efficient heating method installed under the floor. This system circulates hot water through a network of pipes, causing the heat to radiate from the floor.
– Take advantage of solar light: Open blinds during the day to let sunlight in, close curtains or blinds when the sun sets, and the doors of rooms where no one is present. You can also insulate windows and doors, use thick curtains, or create internal barriers.
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