In the heart of Berlin’s Spandau district, NTT DATA is embarking on a transformative journey through its waste heat recovery project at the Berlin1 Data Center. This initiative aims to sustainably warm the new residential and commercial community, “Das Neue Gartenfeld,” supplying up to 8 MW of heating capacity through collaboration with Quartierswerk Gartenfeld GmbH, a partnership between ENGIE Deutschland and GASAG Solution Plus. The project was officially launched with a celebratory event attended by prominent political and business figures, including Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner.
“Das Neue Gartenfeld” spans over 76 acres and will feature 4,500 apartments, 200 commercial units, as well as child care and school facilities, serving a community of over 10,000 residents. An on-site energy centre will generate necessary heat, distributed via a local heating network. This carbon-free excess heat travels through a 2 km pipeline from the data center, maintaining a comfortable temperature of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius—ideal for heat pumps to achieve the required 65 degrees Celsius for the local heating system.
Konstantin Hartmann, Managing Director EMEA at NTT Global Data Centers, highlighted the importance of integrating waste heat in data centre design, stating that while innovative solutions for existing centres are scarce, this project marks a significant step forward in utilising waste heat efficiently. “What is likely the largest waste heat recovery project in Germany demonstrates the sustainability of carbon-free heat, which can significantly benefit local communities.”
To cater to peak heating demands during winter, a robust 3.6 MW power-to-heat boiler and a 300 cubic meter hot water tank will be established, with construction slated to commence in early 2026. Local heat supply from the data centre is projected to start by the end of that year.
Niklas Wiegand, Managing Director of ENGIE Deutschland, underscored the project’s sustainability aspect, noting that leveraging heat from NTT DATA’s data centre could prevent around 6,000 tons of CO2 emissions yearly. The collaborative effort aims to provide the district with a self-sufficient, decentralised heat supply, reinforcing the commitment to a greener future.
Furthermore, Matthias Trunk from GASAG expressed that cooperative partnerships are vital to navigate the complexities of such projects. This initiative not only aims to enhance Berlin’s energy transition but also to showcase the potential of collaborative innovation. Finally, Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, reiterated the need for climate resilience and innovative energy solutions, heralding “Das Neue Gartenfeld” as a pioneering model for successful energy transformation.
NTT DATA’s waste heat recovery project at Berlin1 Data Center will provide heating for the “Das Neue Gartenfeld” development, supplying up to 8 MW of carbon-free heat. The project will feature 4,500 apartments and commercial units, utilising a local heating network. Construction will start by early 2026, with significant CO2 emissions reductions projected through collaboration with ENGIE and GASAG.
The waste heat recovery initiative by NTT DATA in Berlin represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainability in urban infrastructure. By skillfully harnessing the otherwise wasted heat from data centres, the project not only serves a growing community but also significantly reduces carbon emissions. With a collaborative spirit among key stakeholders, this project sets a precedent for future energy solutions, proving that innovative partnerships can lead to sustainable and efficient energy consumption.
Original Source: digitalinfranetwork.com
