nLighten, a European digital infrastructure platform that develops and operates edge data centers, has come up with a unique heat management solution for its data centers. It recently announced that it will begin supplying heat generated during the operation of its facilities to the local heating network.
This will support the municipal IT training center at it.schule, an institute offering information and media technology courses. The buildings are owned by DEKRA, a vehicle testing and inspecting organization, and are located in the Möhringen district, not far from its data center in Stuttgart.
According to a press release, waste heat from the data center will be sold to Synergiepark Stuttgart, which manages processing and distribution. The on-site infrastructure can handle a thermal output of up to 1.8 MW. A closed water system absorbs server heat and uses heat pumps to raise it to the temperature required by customers, providing a reliable, sustainable, and economical supply.
Andreas Herden, Managing Director, nLighten Germany, said, “The waste heat project in Stuttgart is another milestone for nLighten and shows how data centers can become active designers of the energy transition. We are once again demonstrating that Europe’s digital infrastructure can not only be efficient and networked, but also made sustainable.”
Ulf Hummel, Managing Director, Synergiepark Stuttgart heating solutions, said, “The waste heat project with nLighten creates added value for everyone involved: It provides climate-friendly heat for our customers, strengthens the data center’s sustainable business model and is an important step towards decarbonizing the heat supply in Stuttgart.”
The project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, involves cooperation with Synergiepark Stuttgart heating solutions through a joint venture of Stadtwerke Stuttgart GmbH and e-con AG. The agreement has been signed, with operations expected later this year.
The Stuttgart project marks a step toward expanding the Synergiepark heating network and illustrates how digital infrastructure can support municipal sustainability goals. During the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, data center colocation company Equinix exported heat from its newest IBX in Paris, PA10, to the Plaine Saulnier urban development zone and the Olympic Aquatic Centre, which hosted several events. Similarly, heat exported from TR5, one of Equinix’s IBX data centers in Toronto, was distributed throughout multiple residential buildings, as well as a nearby hotel, university and local shopping center in downtown Markham. TR5 also services multiple buildings with domestic hot water all year long, thanks to the heat network of Equinix’s energy partner, Markham District Energy.
These initiatives demonstrate how data centers can reduce emissions in collaboration with public and private partners. nLighten operates the facility with renewable electricity, ensuring that the recovered heat is sustainable and positioning the model as an industry example.