Heat reuse and the future of data center ecosystems

Article published by Data Centre Insight on May 13 and attributed to Anna Kristín Pálsdóttir, Chief Development Officer at atNorth

In an interview with Data Centre Insight, Anna Kristín Pálsdóttir discusses how heat reuse is transforming data centers from isolated facilities into integrated parts of local communities and energy systems.

The interview explores atNorth’s partnership with Kesko at the FIN02 data center in Finland, where excess heat is recycled to heat a neighboring retail store. Anna explains how atNorth’s modular design approach enables heat reuse technology to be incorporated as standard, supporting circular economy initiatives while maintaining the flexibility needed for evolving AI-ready infrastructure.

Looking beyond individual projects, Anna highlights a broader shift in the industry, where data centers are increasingly viewed as civic infrastructure that can contribute to local economies, support community development, and create long-term environmental value. As she notes: “Data centers are evolving from a hidden utility into essential civic infrastructure that should be embedded within national and regional planning frameworks.”

The interview also examines the role of heat reuse, community engagement, biodiversity initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration in supporting the sustainable growth of digital infrastructure as AI demand continues to accelerate.

Read the full interview here.