The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, has initiated an innovative project that repurposes waste heat from its Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to provide heating for local homes in Ferney-Voltaire, France. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainability, as it harnesses energy that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
The LHC, with a circumference of 26.7 kilometers (approximately 16.6 miles), is the world’s largest particle accelerator. It operates at high energy levels, consuming between 600 to 750 GWh annually to collide subatomic particles. While this process has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the Higgs boson, it also generates substantial waste heat. In the past, this heat was disposed of through cooling towers, contributing to environmental concerns.
CERN’s new approach involves the installation of a heat exchanger at the Point 8 site of the accelerator ring. This is strategically located near the French town of Ferney-Voltaire. The project, launched in collaboration with local authorities, allows the captured heat to be redirected into a district heating system. This system now serves several thousand residential and commercial properties within the Zone d’Aménagement Concerté Ferney-Genève Innovation development area.
The official inauguration of this heating system took place in December 2023, and it is now becoming fully operational. According to Nicolas Bellegarde, CERN’s energy coordinator, the new setup signifies a marked improvement in energy efficiency. “Typically, hot water would then pass through a cooling tower, releasing heat into the atmosphere so that the cooled water could be reinjected into the equipment,” Bellegarde explained. “In the new set-up, hot water initially passes through two 5-MW heat exchangers, which transfer thermal energy to the new heating network in Ferney-Voltaire.”
This initiative not only enhances the energy efficiency of CERN’s operations but also supports the local community by providing a sustainable heating solution. The repurposing of waste heat aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental responsibility. As CERN continues to push the boundaries of scientific research, it is also making strides in sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the surrounding community.
Ultimately, this project underscores the potential for large research facilities to contribute positively to local economies and ecosystems while advancing scientific knowledge.
