n# Infomaniak’s D4 Data Center: A Revolutionary step in Sustainable Technology
on Monday, January 27, 2025, Infomaniak unveiled its groundbreaking D4 data center in Geneva, marking a meaningful milestone in sustainable technology. Located beneath the Bistoquette eco-district, this innovative facility is powered entirely by renewable energy and recycles 100% of the electricity it consumes to heat nearby homes. The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Antonio Hodgers, State Councilor of the Canton of Geneva, Robert Cramer, President of the Industrial Services of Geneva (GIS), and Pauline Dayer, representative of the Bistoquette Client.
A Circular Energy Model
The D4 data center is a testament to Infomaniak’s commitment to sustainability. It operates exclusively on local renewable energy, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The electricity consumed by servers, inverters, and ventilation systems is transformed into heat, reaching temperatures of 40 to 45°C. This heat is then integrated into a hot water circuit, with heat pumps increasing the temperature to supply the Geneva heating network.
One of the most remarkable features of the D4 is its elimination of the need for additional water to cool the servers. Instead, the cold produced by heat pumps is directly used to cool the equipment, creating an optimized energy cycle. This approach not only conserves water but also maximizes energy efficiency.
Infomaniak,which recently inaugurated two solar power plants, has also linked the D4 to a new solar power plant in the Bistoquette eco-district, boasting a capacity of 130 kWc.
Progressive Expansion Until 2028
Spanning 1,800 square meters, the D4 is designed to house approximately 10,000 full-load servers. Currently operating at 25% of its potential, the data center is expected to reach its full capacity of 1.7 MW by 2028. At full capacity, it will inject 14.9 GWh annually into the Geneva heating network.To put this into viewpoint, this energy is equivalent to heating 6,000 Minergie-A dwellings or providing 20,000 residents with a 5-minute shower each day.
Infomaniak has collaborated with the University of Lausanne (UNIL), IMD, and EPFL to document the D4’s operations. A technical guide is available in open source, encouraging the replication of this sustainable model. The company is already planning to build two more similar data centers to meet the growing demand for heat networks.
“We already have 1.1 MW ready to be injected into a heat network, and by 2028, a new data center of at least 3.3 MW will be necessary to meet demand. The principle is simple: we buy electricity locally and offer our free decarbonized heat,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, founder and strategic director of Infomaniak.
Key Highlights of the D4 Data center
| feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Geneva, beneath the Bistoquette eco-district |
| Energy Source | 100% local renewable energy |
| Heat Recovery | 100% of electricity consumed is recycled as heat |
| Cooling System | Cold from heat pumps used directly to cool servers |
| Capacity | 1.7 MW at full capacity by 2028 |
| Annual Energy Output | 14.9 GWh injected into the Geneva heating network |
| Environmental Impact | Equivalent to heating 6,000 Minergie-A dwellings or 20,000 daily showers |
Infomaniak’s D4 data center is not just a technological marvel but a beacon of sustainability, setting a new standard for the industry. With its innovative energy model and commitment to environmental stewardship, the D4 is poised to revolutionize the way we think about data centers.
