Swiss firms launch eco-efficient data center with heat recycling
Infomaniak SA and Gruyère Energie SA have submitted plans for a new data center in Bulle, scheduled for completion in 2028. This development represents the largest undertaking in Infomaniak’s corporate history and its first significant expansion of sustainable data infrastructure outside Geneva. The facility will operate entirely on renewable energy and incorporate a heat recycling system that redirects server waste heat into Bulle’s district heating network. This design mirrors the approach used at Infomaniak’s D4 Geneva facility, which earned the 2026 Green Business Award. The Bulle project is projected to produce 28 GWh of heat annually, enough to eliminate up to 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions while bolstering local energy supplies.
The data center will feature an IT capacity of 2.5 MW, effectively doubling the size of Infomaniak’s largest existing facility in Geneva. This expansion follows a 26.5% rise in service revenue during the first half of 2026, driven by increased demand for cloud services. The new site will house 170 server racks and will rely on closed-loop cooling systems, eliminating the need for water extraction. The project’s location in an industrial zone ensures seamless integration with Gruyère Energie’s existing district heating network, which currently operates on renewable sources. By 2030, the network aims to achieve 180 GWh of annual heat output, with the data center contributing meaningfully to that goal.
Construction is set to begin in early 2027, subject to permit approvals, with operations commencing in 2028. Julien Bonnat, Head of Data Center at Infomaniak, highlighted that the design prioritizes heat recovery over conventional cooling methods. The facility will occupy just 1,200 m², avoiding disruption to farmland or natural areas while maintaining direct connections to local utilities.
Michel Beaud, Director of Major Projects at Gruyère Energie, emphasized that the heat recycling system will complement rather than replace existing renewable energy sources. The partnership between the two companies seeks to advance regional sustainability while addressing the growing need for digital infrastructure. Both organizations have pledged to uphold transparency in resource management, ensuring compliance with community standards for noise and water usage.
