atNorth forges sustainable partnership with Kesko to recycle heat energy effectively

atNorth and Kesko: A Partnership for Sustainability

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, atNorth, a leading Nordic colocation and high-performance computing service provider, has announced its collaboration with Kesko Corporation, one of Finland's retail giants. This partnership marks a significant leap in the realm of energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to responsible operations and environmental stewardship. The partnership will see waste heat generated from atNorth's FIN02 data center in Sinimäki, Espoo repurposed to provide heating for a neighboring Kesko store. This innovative approach not only maximizes energy efficiency but also embodies the principles of Finland's circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and make the most out of existing resources.

Aiming for Emission Reductions

The heat provided to the Kesko store is expected to meet nearly all of its heating energy requirements. This initiative aligns with Kesko's ambitious sustainability strategy, which targets a 50% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. According to Antti Kokkonen, Kesko's Director of Energy, this collaboration will decrease Kesko's emissions from district heating by approximately 0.9%, translating to a reduction of around 200 tons of CO2 emissions annually. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of approximately 120 detached houses heated through district heating.

Enhancing Energy Reliability

In addition to this impressive heat reuse arrangement, atNorth has also secured a power supply agreement with Caruna, the Finnish electricity distributor. This new contract guarantees access to 45 megawatts (MW) of reliable power for the FIN02 data center. This is not only crucial for the operations of atNorth but also resonates with Caruna's mission to modernize power infrastructure in the region, ultimately contributing to Finland's economic resilience.

Community and Economic Growth

The collaboration underscores the critical role data centers play in enhancing the resilience of Finland's power infrastructure. Kosti Rautiainen, EVP Customers and New Ventures at Caruna, emphasizes that partnerships like these are essential in the transition towards a carbon-free energy system. By focusing on innovative solutions like heat reuse and strengthening local electricity grids, atNorth and its partners are fostering not just their operations but also boosting local job opportunities and community growth.

Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, expresses pride in these collaborative efforts, stating, "We aim to create data center ecosystems that profoundly benefit the communities in which we operate. Our partnerships not only help reduce our emissions but also assist other companies in their sustainability efforts."

Expanding Operations in Finland

atNorth's investment in Finland began in 2023 with the acquisition of two existing data centers, FIN01 and FIN03, strategically situated in the bustling metro of Helsinki. Following this, the company has developed two additional sites, including FIN02, which began operating in April and FIN04, a large-scale site expected to launch by the end of 2025.

This ongoing expansion underscores atNorth's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the Nordic data center landscape, focusing on renewable energy use and circular economy principles. The company’s future plans also includes the development of a mega site in Kouvola and has secured land for an additional site in Sollefteå Municipality in Sweden.

AtNorth is determined to lead the charge in creating data center models that are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. With their focus on renovation and smart energy use, atNorth and its partners are setting a benchmark for sustainability in the tech industry. This partnership with Kesko is just one of many steps towards a greener future, illustrating how collaboration can drive significant positive change for both businesses and the environment.