Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz adds heat reuse and cyclotron upgrade

The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is developing an innovative energy concept that will capture waste heat from its new 1,870 m² data centre and feed it into the campus district‑heating network. Sweco GmbH is planning the technical connection, heat‑pump system and a 380 m underground pipe line to enable continuous, climate‑friendly heat supply without disrupting university operations.

The state of Rhineland‑Palatinate is providing €250,000 to JGU for a new synthesis module for its cyclotron. The upgrade will allow on‑site production of fluor‑18 radiopharmaceuticals for PET scans, improving regional medical imaging services. Science Minister Clemens Hoch described the funding as a key investment in the region’s health and research infrastructure, and university president Georg Krausch highlighted the expanded interdisciplinary opportunities.