IBM and GIB-Services have converted a former military bunker outside of Zurich into a very secure, energy-efficient, "green" data centre. Heat generated by the centre will help heat a nearby public swimming pool. When operating at full capacity the data centre in Uitikon, Switzerland, is expected to create 2,800 megawatts of wasted heat per year -- the equivalent of the energy needed to supply some 80 houses with heating and warm water for one year.
"This is a great example of an innovative client solution that not only provides a client with a secure and energy efficient data centre, but is also a technology breakthrough to benefit the town," says Steve Sams, vice president of IBM Global Site and Facilities Services. "Theoretically it is possible to reuse up to 90 percent of the electric power required for the operation of the data centre as heat energy. Through reclaiming the heat, approximately 130 tons of carbon emissions can be saved. This corresponds to the carbon dioxide discharge of mid-size cars driving 500,000 miles."
The project to heat to the public swimming pool is expected to be completed in the next few months. The data centre is already operating.
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IBM Builds Green Data Center for GIB-Services; Innovative Technology to Heat Local Public Swimming Pool (press release) (US)