#Denmark #atNorth #Ballerup #Vestforbrænding #DEN01

atNorth's Innovative Initiative for Heat Recycling in Denmark

atNorth, a Nordic leader in colocation and custom-built data centers, has embarked on an exciting collaboration with Vestforbrænding, Denmark's premier waste-to-energy firm. This partnership is centered around a groundbreaking initiative that repurposes excess heat generated from atNorth's DEN01 data center in Ballerup into the local district heating network, providing warmth to more than 8,000 homes starting in 2028.

A Sustainable Partnership

The deal between atNorth and Vestforbrænding marks a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in Denmark's energy landscape. The DEN01 data center, set to become operational in Q1 2026, employs an innovative Direct Liquid Cooling system that efficiently converts energy consumption into warm water as a byproduct. This surplus heat can be effectively utilized by Vestforbrænding to contribute to district heating, significantly reducing the energy required to warm local households.

Denmark’s Leadership in Decarbonization

As a country that has taken the lead in decarbonization, Denmark's government launched a bold initiative in 2022 aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. A crucial part of this strategy includes the gradual phasing out of coal in the district heating sector, alongside promoting initiatives that align with the principles of a circular economy. Both atNorth and Vestforbrænding's collaboration directly supports this vision, contributing to their goal of reducing carbon emissions.

Community Impact and Broader Initiatives

The implications of this partnership extend beyond just energy efficiency. By integrating excess heat into the district heating network, both companies are playing a vital role in supporting local communities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This holistic approach to sustainable operation is embedded in atNorth's strategic planning and operational philosophy. The company is committed to uplifting the communities in which it operates while adhering to sustainable practices that consider responsible construction and energy consumption.

Statements from Key Leaders

Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, the CEO of atNorth, emphasizes the importance of responsible scaling in the face of the increasing demand for AI-ready data infrastructures. He states, "By actively seeking heat reuse partnerships for our data centers, we can mitigate our environmental impact, benefit the communities in which we operate, and help our clients decarbonize their IT workloads."

On the other hand, Steen Neuchs Vedel, the CEO of Vestforbrænding, voiced enthusiasm over the practical implications of this collaboration. He says, "For many years, we have discussed how surplus heat from data centers could be part of our future. With today’s contract signing, we are demonstrating a tangible path for how this surplus can heat people's homes, paving the way for sector coupling within the district heating framework."

Expanding Beyond Borders

This initiative is not an isolated project. atNorth's commitment to sustainability and innovation also resonates in its other partnerships. Earlier, the company announced a collaboration with Wa3rm, aiming to reuse excess heat for local vegetable cultivation near its DEN02 data center in Denmark. Additionally, atNorth is working with Kesko Corporation in Finland to recycle waste heat from the FIN02 data center to warm neighboring retail spaces, reflecting their broader vision of leveraging data centers for environmental benefits.

About atNorth

Founded in Iceland, atNorth operates several data centers in strategic Nordic locations, including ongoing projects in Finland and Denmark. The company prides itself on promoting sustainable operations through renewable energy utilization in its data centers. This focus not only supports their operational ethos but also resonates with the growing global demand for eco-friendly business practices.

As atNorth continues to execute its innovative strategies in the data center space, its collaborations herald a new era of sustainable infrastructure that safeguards the environment while also serving communities effectively.