Infomaniak, the Geneva-based IT company, has recently inaugurated a new data center in Geneva, Switzerland. This state-of-the-art facility is committed to sustainability, powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power. The new data center also contributes to a local district heating network, providing heat for up to 6,000 homes.
Key Features of the Infomaniak Data Center
Powered by 100% Renewable Energy
Infomaniak’s new data center aims to reduce its carbon footprint by relying solely on renewable energy, such as hydroelectric power, to meet its electricity demands. The company is focused on ensuring that its operations are sustainable, aligning with the global push for cleaner, greener energy solutions.
District Heating Integration
One of the standout features of the data center is its integration with a district heating network. This setup allows the waste heat from the data center to be repurposed to warm up to 6,000 homes in the surrounding area, turning what would typically be wasted energy into a valuable resource for the community.
Air Conditioning-Free Cooling for Improved Efficiency
In a bid to enhance energy efficiency, Infomaniak has removed all air conditioning units from the facility. While the company has not disclosed its alternative cooling methods, this approach signifies a forward-thinking move to reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal conditions for server operations.
Infomaniak’s Commitment to Sustainability
Mitigating Energy Waste
According to Infomaniak spokesperson Thomas Jacobsen, data centers consume vast amounts of electricity, contributing to significant energy waste if not properly managed. He notes that by 2026, the electricity demand of Infomaniak’s facilities could match the entire electricity consumption of Japan. To counter this, the company has put considerable effort into improving energy efficiency, both through its air conditioning-free cooling strategy and the use of renewable energy sources.
The Role of Infomaniak in Geneva’s Data Center Ecosystem
Infomaniak currently operates two data centers in Geneva, with the newly launched facility potentially bringing the total number of centers to three. Infomaniak’s commitment to renewable energy aligns it with other key players in the Swiss data center industry, including Swisscom, Equinix, Stack, and nLighten, although the majority of data centers in Switzerland are based in Zurich.
Infomaniak’s Broader Impact on the Industry
Meeting Growing Demand for Cloud Solutions
With over 200 employees, Infomaniak offers a range of services to public administrations, businesses, and individuals. These services include cloud hosting, event management, streaming, and marketing solutions. The company’s growth and focus on sustainability make it a significant player in the Swiss IT landscape.
FAQ Section
1. What energy sources power Infomaniak’s new data center?
Infomaniak’s new data center is entirely powered by renewable energy, including hydroelectric power, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly operation.
2. How does the data center contribute to the local community?
The data center feeds into a district heating network that provides heat to up to 6,000 homes, turning waste heat from the data center into a useful resource for the community.
3. What cooling methods does Infomaniak use in its data center?
Infomaniak has removed all air conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency, though the specific alternative cooling methods have not been disclosed.
4. How many data centers does Infomaniak currently operate in Geneva?
Infomaniak operates at least two data centers in Geneva, with the new facility potentially bringing the total number to three.
5. What other companies have a presence in Geneva’s data center market?
Other companies with a presence in Geneva include Swisscom, Equinix, Stack, and nLighten.
