The future of data center heat reuse

Article published by Computer Weekly on May 19 attributed to Chris Larsen, CTO atNorth

A recent Computer Weekly article explores why the UK has lagged behind other European countries in adopting data center heat reuse projects, despite growing interest in district heating and circular energy initiatives.

The article features insights from Chris Larsen, CTO at atNorth, who discusses both the challenges and opportunities associated with reusing excess heat from data centers. While heat generated by cooling systems can be captured, Larsen explains that heat pumps are often required to raise temperatures sufficiently for district heating networks. He also highlights how collaboration between governments, energy providers, industry bodies, and local communities will be critical to accelerating adoption.

Drawing on atNorth’s experience across the Nordics, Larsen points to successful heat reuse projects already in operation, including atNorth’s FIN02 data center in Finland, where excess heat is recycled to heat a neighboring Kesko retail store. He notes that more integrated heat reuse projects, supported by public-private partnerships and government incentives, are likely to become increasingly common across Europe in the coming years.

The article also examines how district heating infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and data center location all influence the viability of heat reuse projects, while highlighting the significant potential of surplus heat to support local communities and reduce emissions.

Read the full article here.