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atNorth, a prominent Nordic colocation specialist, has teamed up with Vestforbrænding, Denmark’s largest waste-to-energy firm, to utilise surplus heat from their DEN01 data centre. This innovative approach will channel the by-product of energy-efficient Direct Liquid Cooling into the district heating network, serving over 8,000 homes in the vicinity of Ballerup, Greater Copenhagen.
The DEN01 site, a significant 22.5MW establishment, is to become operational by Q1 2026, with the heat integration commencing in 2028. This initiative ensures a reduction in the carbon footprints of both the data centre and Vestforbrænding by minimising the energy required for local central heating.
Denmark has long been at the forefront of decarbonisation. In 2022, it set an ambitious goal to achieve net zero by 2045 and a 110% emissions reduction by 2050. The gradual discontinuation of coal in its district heating sector exemplifies Denmark's support for heat recycling ventures, dovetailing with circular economy principles.
With significant expertise in district heating, Vestforbrænding is on a mission. Their ambitious 2030 District Heating Plan seeks to replace oil and gas boilers with greener solutions, integrating future energy sources such as surplus data centre heat.
Vestforbrænding’s CEO, Steen Neuchs Vedel, emphasised the significance of this agreement, illustrating how surplus heat can effectively reach households. The partnership demonstrates sector coupling between data centres and district heating networks, setting a precedent for others to follow.
Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, highlighted the increasing demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure and the ensuing responsibility of scaling sustainably. By fostering heat reuse collaborations, atNorth aims to lessen environmental impacts and bolster community welfare whilst aiding clients in decarbonising their IT operations.
This collaboration follows previous engagements, such as a partnership with Wa3rm, focusing on circularity and bio-based waste stream solutions. They plan on using excess heat from atNorth’s DEN02 facility to grow vegetables. Additionally, atNorth has an agreement with Kesko Corporation in Finland, recycling waste heat from FIN02 to heat nearby retail spaces.
