#Denmark #atNorth #Selected Group #Ølgod

atNorth and Selected Group Partner for Danish Food Security

In an exciting new collaboration, atNorth, a leading Nordic data center provider, has teamed up with Selected Group to address food security challenges in Denmark through innovative greenhouse development. This initiative aims to harness surplus heat from atNorth's DEN02 data center located in Ølgod, Denmark, to support local farming activities and reduce reliance on imported produce, especially during the colder months.

Heat Reuse Partnership

The partnership is designed to integrate the concepts of energy sustainability and local food production. Utilizing the previously wasted heat generated by data centers, Selected Group is set to cultivate fresh produce in large-scale greenhouses powered by this reclaimed energy. This innovative approach showcases how digital infrastructure can play an essential role in the circular economy by turning excess heat into a valuable resource.

Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, the CEO of atNorth, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that responsible digital infrastructure must transform surplus heat into a resource that supports local food production while minimizing carbon emissions. He noted that aligning the data center's operations with the Ølgod community is crucial for sustainable industrial growth in the area.

Addressing Food Import Challenges

Denmark currently faces challenges with its food supply chain, particularly during winter, when a significant portion of fruits and vegetables are imported. By leveraging surplus heat for greenhouse cultivation, this initiative aims not only to support national sustainability goals but also to enhance local food security. Through the year-round production of local fruits and vegetables, the greenhouse can significantly reduce dependency on imports and improve the resilience of the Danish food supply.

Community and Economic Impact

This venture is set to provide significant economic benefits to the Ølgod region. Alongside job creation during construction and ongoing operations, the greenhouse project represents a substantial local investment. By establishing a connection between data centers and agricultural production, the initiative fosters a long-term, robust ecosystem that bolsters community resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

The plans entail a phased approach, with the first phase of the greenhouse development scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028. Focusing on scalability, the project is intended to grow in parallel with the DEN02 data center's expansion, ensuring that operational efficiency and sustainability remain at the project's core.

A Model for Future Projects

Peter Nielsen, CEO of Selected Group, reinforced the vision of this model, suggesting that every unit of surplus heat should contribute positively to the community. This partnership serves as a model that can be replicated in other regions where substantial data centers are established, illustrating the potential for digital infrastructure to enhance local food production and mitigate emissions related to transportation and supply chain logistics.

atNorth has been proactive in forming similar partnerships, having recently announced collaborations with Vestforbrænding and Kesko Corporation to repurpose surplus heat from its data centers for district heating and local store operations, respectively. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also aligns with broader circular economy principles.

Through strategic partnerships like the one with Selected Group, atNorth demonstrates a dedication to innovation in energy use and sustainable agriculture. Moving forward, this union may set a precedent for integrating technology with environmental stewardship, ultimately advancing Denmark's goal of achieving a sustainable, resilient food system.