Swiss Data Center Pioneers Green Cloud Computing
Europe's data centers often face criticism for their substantial energy consumption. However, a new Swiss data center is demonstrating a more sustainable approach, utilizing recycled energy to heat local homes.
Geneva-based Infomaniak has been successfully recovering 100% of its used electricity since November 2024. This recycled energy is now being channeled into Geneva's centralized heating network, benefiting approximately 6,000 households.
Currently operating at 25% capacity, the data center aims to reach full operational potential by 2028. This initiative highlights a promising pathway for a greener cloud industry, addressing the significant energy demands of data storage and processing.
A Greener Approach to Cloud Operations
“In the real world, data centers convert electricity into heat. With the exponential growth of the cloud, this energy is currently being released into the atmosphere and wasted,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak's Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, in an interview with FinanzNachrichten. “There is an urgent need to upgrade this way of doing things, to connect these infrastructures to heating networks and adapt building standards."
Infomaniak's commitment to energy efficiency has earned them numerous awards. Their facilities operate without traditional air conditioning – a notable achievement for data centers, which typically generate significant heat. Furthermore, their underground construction minimizes environmental impact.
Recycling Heat for Homes
Infomaniak's process efficiently converts all electricity used by servers, inverters, and ventilation equipment into heat at 40-45°C. This heat is then transferred to an air/water exchanger, which feeds it into a hot water circuit. Heat pumps further elevate the temperature to 67°C in summer and 85°C in winter.
Impact and Scalability
At full capacity, the data center will provide Geneva's heating network with 1.7 megawatts of power. This is enough energy to supply 6,000 households annually or provide 20,000 people with a 5-minute shower daily. This translates to significant environmental benefits, saving the Canton of Geneva an estimated 3,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq) from natural gas or 5,500 tCO2eq from wood pellets each year.
Infomaniak is committed to sharing its innovative approach. They have published a technical guide detailing how other companies can replicate their model, along with a policy brief advising how policymakers can improve design regulations and promote data center sustainability. This encourages wider adoption of sustainable practices within the industry.
This initiative represents a significant step towards a more sustainable cloud industry and a greener future. By prioritizing energy efficiency and heat recovery, Infomaniak demonstrates that data centers can be both powerful and environmentally responsible.