BipolymerEngine

LIFE19 ENV/DE/000456

Transforming Waste Heat into Clean Energy

Demonstration of electricity production from waste heat using innovative Bipolymer material

37.5 kWh/year recovery
22.4 tons CO₂ saved annually
<200°C operating temperature

Innovative Technology

First-of-its-kind bipolymer-based waste heat recovery system

About the Project

LIFE BipolymerEngine addresses the critical challenge of waste heat recovery in industrial processes and data centers

Environmental Challenge

Data centers consume 536 TWh globally by 2025, with 90% of energy released as waste heat. In Germany alone, 160 TWh of waste heat potential exists across 2,600+ locations.

Innovative Solution

Our bipolymer technology provides an environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional systems for low-temperature waste heat recovery at 60-120°C with up to 15% efficiency.

Data Center Focus

With Germany's Energy Efficiency Act requiring 10-20% Energy Reuse Factor by 2028, data centers need compliant solutions. Our technology offers location-independent, year-round energy recovery.

Project Objectives

Demonstrating scalable waste heat recovery technology for data centers and industrial applications

1

Prototype Installation

Install 2 prototypes at different pilot sites with waste heat temperature below 200°C in data centers and industrial facilities.

2

Continuous Operation

Operate and optimize prototypes for 1.5 years to assess and verify technical performance in various operational conditions.

3

Energy Recovery Validation

Validate energy recovery capacity of 37.5 kWh/year per prototype, saving 0.596 kg CO₂ emissions per kWh.

4

Technology Transfer

Prepare replication and transfer through development of procedures, attracting at least 4 additional users and planning 6 replications.

🏭

Data Center Waste Heat

60-120°C

BipolymerEngine

Energy Conversion

🔋

Clean Electricity

37.5 kWh/year

Project Partners

Collaborative expertise driving innovation in waste heat recovery

Poligy GmbH

Project Coordinator & Technology Developer

Leading the development and implementation of innovative bipolymer technology for waste heat recovery in data centers and industrial applications.

AES Autonome Energiesysteme

Technology Partner & System Integration

Providing expertise in autonomous energy systems and supporting the integration of bipolymer technology into existing infrastructure.

Expected Results

Measurable impact on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability

37.5
kWh
Annual energy recovery per prototype unit
🌱
22.4
tons
CO₂ reduction annually per installation
🌡️
<200
°C
Operating temperature range for optimal efficiency
📊
15
%
Maximum electrical efficiency with bipolymer technology

Latest News

Stay updated with project developments and milestones

Mai 2025

First Prototype Installation Completed

Successfully installed the first bipolymer waste heat recovery prototype at our pilot data center facility.

We are excited to announce the completion of the first prototype installation of our innovative bipolymer waste heat recovery system at our pilot data center. This marks a significant milestone in our mission to transform how data centers handle thermal energy.

The new prototype captures waste heat generated by IT hardware—heat that would typically be dissipated into the environment—and repurposes it for campus-wide heating solutions. Our system not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to sustainable building operations by reducing reliance on traditional heating methods.

Following the success of similar initiatives—such as ThermalWorks’ systems that turn server heat into carbon-neutral energy (thermalworks.com) and NTT DATA’s Berlin project delivering up to 8 MW of district heating (businesswire.com) — our bipolymer prototype stands out by leveraging proprietary materials to optimize heat transfer and control. Initial performance tests show promising results in thermal recovery rates and system reliability, even under typical data center loads.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll monitor the system’s real world performance, fine-tune control parameters, and gather comprehensive data to inform the next phase: scaling up to full-scale deployment.

This installation brings us one step closer to a future where data centers aren’t just energy consumers—they become sustainable heat hubs contributing to broader carbon reduction goals.

January 2025

Waste Heat Utilisation in German Data Centres – Now Mandatory!

In Germany, using waste heat from data centres is becoming the norm — and not just a recommendation.

From 1 July 2026, the new Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) mandates that newly commissioned data centres with a non redundant power connection of 300 kW or more must achieve an Energy Reuse Factor (ERF) of at least 10 %. For operations starting 1 July 2027, the requirement increases to 15 %, and for those after 1 July 2028, to 20 %, to be achieved within two years after commissioning.

The aim is clear: waste heat must no longer just dissipate unused. Operators are required to channel it into their own heating networks or collaborate with local district heating providers. Germany is steering data centres toward becoming integral components of sustainable urban energy solutions.

🔧 Our Innovation: Bipolymer Waste Heat Harvesting Technology

We’re developing a breakthrough bipolymer-based solution designed to recover data-centre waste heat with 10 – 15 % efficiency — aligned perfectly with upcoming legal targets.

  • Efficiency goal: 10–15 % heat recovery — ready for direct injection into thermal networks

  • Pilot phase underway: We are conducting extensive real-world trials and refining the system toward market readiness

🌍 Why It Matters

  • Regulatory compliance: Ensures data centres meet EnEfG ERF requirements

  • Environmental impact: Reduces CO₂ emissions by replacing fossil-fuel based heating

  • Economic benefit: Waste heat becomes a valuable resource that can generate revenue

With our novel bipolymer system, we don’t just intend to meet the legal standard — we aim to surpass it. The era of green data-centre heat is about to begin. Join us in shaping a sustainable digital infrastructure!

December 2024

From Data Centers to Green Powerhouses: Harnessing Waste Heat with Poligy

Germany's ambitious climate goals are reshaping the role of data centers. With the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), operators are now mandated to utilize a significant portion of their waste heat.

This regulatory shift presents a unique opportunity to transform data centers into active contributors to sustainable energy systems.

🔥 The Waste Heat Challenge

Data centers are notorious for their energy consumption, with a substantial amount of energy dissipated as low-grade heat, typically ranging from 50°C to 150°C. Traditional methods of capturing and converting this heat into usable energy have been inefficient and costly. However, advancements in technology are paving the way for more effective solutions.

⚙️ Poligy's Innovative Solution

Poligy has developed a groundbreaking bipolymer-based system that efficiently converts low-grade waste heat into electricity. This technology operates on the principle of differential thermal expansion, where two polymers with different coefficients of expansion are combined. When exposed to heat, the polymers bend, driving a mechanical system that generates electricity.

Key features of Poligy's solution include:

  • Efficiency: Converts waste heat into electricity with an efficiency range of 4% to 15%, depending on temperature gradients.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizes abundant and recyclable materials, reducing production costs and environmental impact.

  • Scalability: The modular design allows for easy integration into existing infrastructure without significant modifications.

🌍 Aligning with Regulatory Requirements

The EnEfG mandates that data centers achieve an Energy Reuse Factor (ERF) of at least 10% by 2026, increasing to 15% by 2027, and 20% by 2028. Poligy's technology not only meets these requirements but also offers a pathway to exceed them, turning regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage.

🚀 Looking Ahead

As Germany continues to lead in sustainable energy initiatives, Poligy's innovative approach positions data centers as pivotal players in the green energy transition. By harnessing waste heat, data centers can reduce their carbon footprint, lower operational costs, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.

Contact

Get in touch with the project team for more information

Project Information

Poligy GmbH

Email: martin.huber@poligy.com

Phone: +49 (0) 211 15856575

Address: Wanheimer Str. 43, 40472 Düsseldorf, Germany

This project has received funding from the European Union's LIFE Programme under grant agreement LIFE19 ENV/DE/000456.