Sustainable Views
Summary
The growing digital economy has made data centres indispensable. From powering artificial intelligence to storing vast amounts of business-critical data, these facilities are the backbone of our connected world.
Traditionally, the heat generated by data centres has been considered waste. Now, advancements in heat pump technology and district heating networks can transform this byproduct into a valuable resource. Water-sourced heat pumps can elevate waste heat from 30-35C to temperatures suitable for domestic heating or hot water systems.
European countries are leading the way. Meta’s data centre in Odense, Denmark, provides recovered heat to a district heating network, warming nearly 7,000 homes each year. Similarly, Microsoft’s collaboration with Fortum in Finland integrates data centre waste heat into one of the country’s largest heat networks, supplying homes and businesses with emission-free warmth.
The UK lags behind its Nordic counterparts, but is making progress. The Energy Act and investments in heat networks are creating opportunities for data centres to become central to low-carbon heating initiatives. One planned district heating project in west London will use data centre waste heat to warm up to 10,000 homes.
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