This pioneering project will capture up to 13 tons of CO₂ per year per data center
The project, developed by a multidisciplinary team including the startup Blue Planet Ecosystems and the Conseil Départemental de l’Essonne, represents a collaboration between private and public entities. It aims to establish the world’s first bio-circular data center, advancing sustainable technology. A second phase is in progress to install algal modules on data center facades, targeting a daily output of 20 kg of algae and the capture of 36 kg of CO2.
Linda Lescuyer, Head of Innovation for Data4, highlighted the project’s potential: “Nearly 18 terawatt-hours of energy are available in our data centers in France, but are currently unused. Through this project Mahler, we aim to transform this heat into energy. Thanks to the biocircular data center module, we have the opportunity to create a new ecological and economic resource for the region, and therefore jobs, that can develop with the data centers.”
By repurposing waste heat, the initiative supports environmental sustainability and fosters economic growth through job creation in the Essonne region. The algae production system not only captures significant amounts of CO2 but also supplies valuable biomass for local industries, promoting a circular economy. This project aligns with broader efforts to enhance the ecological efficiency of data centers, a critical step toward reducing the environmental impact of digital infrastructure.
The collaboration underscores a commitment to innovative solutions that balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility. As the project progresses, it aims to set a model for sustainable data center operations worldwide, leveraging renewable resources to meet both ecological and economic goals.
