Frankfurt's Telehouse Data Center to Supply Heat for New Housing Development

Frankfurt is leveraging waste heat from its data centers, including Telehouse, to meet heating demands in new developments. The 'Franky' project, comprising over 1,300 apartments and three daycare centers, is projected to require approximately 4,000 MWh annually, with at least 60% sourced from Telehouse.

This heat is transformed into 70-degree water for local heating networks using heat exchangers and large heat pumps. Similar initiatives are underway in Hattersheim, aiming to provide heat to 450 households.

However, challenges exist in integrating waste heat into existing municipal systems and attracting energy providers to invest in necessary infrastructure. The AWANetz network seeks to facilitate collaboration among data center operators, energy suppliers, and municipalities, with a guide, 'Datacenter Heat,' expected in early 2026. Additionally, the Fraunhofer Institute is exploring heat recovery from electrolyzers used in green hydrogen production, which could further support local heating needs.