How Data Centres Can Utilize Waste Heat

The energy costs associated with operating data centres are experiencing significant growth, and a considerable portion of that energy is ultimately wasted as heat. Innovation operators are exploring ways to utilize this heat in agricultural production.

Some of the heat generated can be repurposed and utilized in various ways, with electricity being one of the primary applications. The excess heat has the potential to offer heating solutions for nearby communities, which has gained significant interest. Nevertheless, there are several obstacles associated with transporting this heat, whether it is in the form of heated water or heated air.

The maximum heat is typically around 32-43 degrees Celsius. Due to this, researchers are investigating solutions that use this heat on-site. In order to support indoor farming, the heat required can be obtained from data centres, which produce warm air that can be directed towards facilities cultivating various organisms for consumption.

In areas where outdoor agriculture is hindered by climate conditions, this concept holds great allure. In regions like Scandinavia, a substantial amount of agricultural products need to be imported due to the short growing season. Consequently, the recycling of water heat is becoming more and more imperative. Germany, for instance, signed the ‘Energy Efficiency Act’ last year, which mandated the maximum utilization of waste heat.

It could be advantageous to cultivate a wide range of produce, including algae, vegetables, and seafood, by utilizing the heat generated from data centres. Numerous experimental establishments have been set up to validate this concept. The scalability of these initiatives is yet to be determined, but the initial outcomes show great promise.