Geneva’s Homes to Be Heated by Recycled Energy from Revolutionary Swiss Data Centre

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, a Swiss data centre has unveiled a system that recycles energy to heat thousands of homes in Geneva. The company behind this innovation, Geneva-based Infomaniak, is sharing its technical guide for free, hoping to inspire other data centres to adopt similar eco-friendly practices.

A Greener Future for Data Centres

Data centres across Europe have long faced criticism for their massive energy consumption. However, Infomaniak’s new facility, inaugurated this week, is turning the tide by recycling 100 per cent of the electricity it uses. Since November 2024, the company has been recovering energy from its operations and channelling it into Geneva’s centralised heating network. This initiative is set to benefit approximately 6,000 households, marking a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the cloud industry.

Currently operating at 25 per cent of its potential capacity, the data centre aims to reach full capacity by 2028. When fully operational, it will supply 1.7 megawatts of energy to Geneva’s heating network—enough to power 6,000 households annually or enable 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day.

How It Works

Infomaniak’s data centre is pioneering a revolutionary approach to energy efficiency by converting all the electricity used to power its servers, inverters, and ventilation systems into usable heat, achieving temperatures between 40 to 45°C. This heat, which would typically be released into the atmosphere and wasted, is instead captured and filtered through an advanced air/water exchanger. The exchanger transfers the heat into a hot water circuit, where it is then further processed. During the summer months, heat pumps elevate the temperature to 67°C, while in winter, they boost it to 85°C, ensuring the heat is at an optimal level for residential heating. This seamless integration of energy recycling not only maximises the utility of every watt of electricity consumed but also provides a sustainable and reliable source of warmth for thousands of households in Geneva.

This innovative system represents a significant leap forward in reducing energy waste, as it repurposes what was once considered a byproduct of data centre operations into a valuable resource. By doing so, it addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: the growing energy demands of the digital age and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. The environmental impact of this system is substantial, enabling the Canton of Geneva to save an estimated 3,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq) of natural gas or 5,500 tCO2eq of pellets annually. These savings are equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road each year or powering thousands of homes with clean energy. Beyond the immediate benefits, this model sets a precedent for the broader data centre industry, demonstrating that it is possible to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility. By turning waste heat into a community resource, Infomaniak is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also contributing to the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the region.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

Infomaniak has already garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its exceptional energy efficiency, a testament to its innovative approach to sustainable operations. One of the most remarkable aspects of its facilities is that they operate entirely without air conditioning—a rarity in the data centre industry, where cooling systems typically consume vast amounts of energy. This achievement is made possible through advanced engineering and a commitment to minimising environmental impact. Additionally, Infomaniak takes its sustainability efforts a step further by constructing its infrastructure underground. This strategic decision not only reduces the visual and physical footprint of its facilities but also leverages the natural insulation properties of the earth to maintain optimal operating temperatures, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, has been a vocal advocate for the urgent adoption of greener practices within the cloud industry. In a recent interview with FinanzNachrichten, he highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional data centre operations, stating, “In the real world, data centres convert electricity into heat. With the exponential growth of the cloud, this energy is currently being released into the atmosphere and wasted.” Siegenthaler’s remarks underscore the pressing need for the industry to rethink its approach to energy use and waste management. He called for a systemic upgrade, urging data centres to connect their infrastructures to heating networks and adapt building standards to prioritise sustainability. “There is an urgent need to upgrade this way of doing things,” he emphasised, pointing to Infomaniak’s model as a viable solution that other companies can replicate. By sharing its technical expertise and advocating for policy changes, Infomaniak is not only leading by example but also inspiring a broader shift towards a more sustainable and responsible cloud industry.

A Model for Others to Follow

Infomaniak is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within the data centre industry by openly sharing its knowledge and expertise. Recognising the urgent need for collective action, the company has made its comprehensive technical guide freely available to the public. This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to replicate its groundbreaking energy recycling model, enabling other data centres to adopt similar practices and reduce their environmental impact. In addition to the technical guide, Infomaniak has prepared a concise summary specifically tailored for policymakers. This document offers practical advice on how to improve design regulations and promote the development of more sustainable data centres, ensuring that the industry as a whole can move towards greener operations. By making these resources accessible, Infomaniak is not only demonstrating its leadership in sustainability but also empowering others to follow suit.

This initiative underscores the immense potential for data centres to play a positive role in their communities, transforming from energy-intensive facilities into contributors to local energy networks. Infomaniak’s model sets a new benchmark for the industry, proving that it is possible to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility. As the world faces the escalating challenges of climate change, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. Infomaniak’s approach offers a clear and actionable blueprint for a greener, more sustainable future, showing how industries can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. By prioritising sustainability and sharing its successes, Infomaniak is paving the way for a future where data centres are not only efficient and reliable but also integral to the global effort to combat climate change.

Green Considerations and Long-Term Benefits

The shift towards energy-efficient data centres has broader implications for both urban sustainability and climate action. By repurposing waste heat, Infomaniak significantly reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, promoting a circular energy economy. Cities worldwide are increasingly exploring similar solutions to reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Moreover, this approach enhances energy resilience, ensuring that households have a stable and eco-friendly heating source even in harsh winters. The reduced strain on traditional heating infrastructure also leads to lower energy costs for residents. With policies and incentives supporting such innovations, the potential to scale up this technology is immense, paving the way for a greener digital future.