New Data Center Initiative Promises Sustainable Digital Infrastructure in Bulle
In an era where digital services are growing exponentially, Infomaniak SA, a prominent Swiss cloud provider, and Gruyère Energie SA have unveiled plans for a groundbreaking data center in Bulle, projected to be operational by 2028. This ambitious initiative is not merely about expanding digital capacity; it’s a step toward creating a sustainable digital infrastructure that resonates with current environmental needs.
The proposed data center reflects a modern approach to data handling. By strategically utilizing the heat generated from servers, the facility aims to feed into the local district heating network. This innovative design doesn’t just promote efficiency; it also actively reduces CO2 emissions, showcasing the companies’ commitment to environmental responsibility. Given its substantial scale, this endeavor stands out as Infomaniak’s most significant project to date.
The data center is designed to have an IT capacity of 2.5 megawatts (MW), effectively doubling the capacity of Infomaniak’s latest facility in Geneva. The necessity for such expansion is underscored by a substantial 26.5% increase in service billings noted in the first half of 2026. This reflects a notable trend; as our world becomes more digital, the infrastructure that supports it must evolve in response.
With 170 server racks planned, the facility in Bulle is built on principles established by Infomaniak’s D4 facility, which garnered the 2026 Green Business Award. The initiative embodies a new generation of data infrastructure. “This data center represents a new generation of digital infrastructure, designed from the outset to limit its footprint,” explains Michel Beaud, Director of Major Projects at Gruyère Energie. The project is not just about technological innovation; it’s a commitment to rethinking energy use in the digital age.
One of the critical features of the Bulle data center is its strategic location within an industrial zone. This position is meant to enhance the existing district heating network, predominantly powered by renewable sources. The planned heat recovery system is projected to produce approximately 28 GWh of heat annually, successfully mitigating around 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. By 2030, Gruyère Energie anticipates reaching a heating output of 180 GWh, underlining the project’s potential impact on local sustainability efforts.
“This new form of energy recovery does not replace existing renewable sources or other industrial heat recovery projects. It complements them,” emphasizes Beaud. By focusing construction away from valuable farmland and natural areas, the data center will occupy about 1,200 m², designed for efficient utility connectivity.
In terms of cooling, the servers will use closed-loop systems, which dramatically reduce water withdrawal and noise pollution. “In Bulle, the goal is for all the electricity consumed by our servers to end up as useful heat in Gruyère Energie’s network. That is what every data center built today should do: recover its heat, not withdraw water needed for other uses, and be transparent about the resources it consumes,” notes Julien Bonnat, Head of Data Center at Infomaniak. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for setting new industry standards.
The partnership between Infomaniak and Gruyère Energie is a noteworthy example of how collaboration can drive regional development and foster sustainability. As they prepare to embark on this journey, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, once all necessary contracts and permits are secured. Both companies are wholly dedicated to developing responsible infrastructure that serves the community’s needs while adhering to high environmental standards.