The Berlin-based initiative is positioned as one of Germany’s largest waste heat recovery efforts from existing data centers, demonstrating a scalable model for integrating digital infrastructure into sustainable urban planning.
At the core of the project is a waste heat utilization system designed to capture and transfer low-temperature heat—typically between 20°C and 30°C—from the data center to a centralized heating facility. The system will route this energy through a 2-kilometer pipeline to an on-site energy hub within the Gartenfeld development.
There, heat pumps will elevate the temperature to the 65°C needed for the local heating network. To maintain heating performance during peak winter periods, a 3.6 MW power-to-heat boiler and a 300 m³ hot water storage tank will be included in the infrastructure.
Once operational, the project is expected to supply up to 8 megawatts of thermal energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 6,000 tons annually. This not only supports Berlin’s broader climate targets but also enhances the efficiency of digital infrastructure without the need for new data center construction.
Key benefits of the system include:
Construction on the central energy facility is planned for early 2026, with heating operations set to begin by the end of that year. The success of this initiative hinges on coordinated efforts between public officials, utility providers, and private tech stakeholders.
Historically, waste heat from data centers has been used in limited applications—such as office heating or equipment preheating. This initiative marks a shift, showing how large-scale digital infrastructure can play a proactive role in the energy transition.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor has recognized the project as a template for integrating digital and energy systems into future city planning. For developers, utilities, and infrastructure providers, this collaboration highlights how data centers can evolve from being energy-intensive assets to contributors in climate-neutral development strategies.
The Das Neue Gartenfeld project provides a replicable example of how digital infrastructure can be adapted to support energy resilience in growing urban centers. As cities across Europe seek scalable ways to align digital growth with sustainability, Berlin’s approach offers a practical, technically viable solution for meeting dual goals: reducing emissions and supporting community infrastructure.
