#Denmark #atNorth #Ballerup #Vestforbrænding

atNorth's Innovative District Heating Solution

In a bid to bolster sustainability, atNorth, a leading data center provider in the Nordic region, has finalized a pivotal agreement with Vestforbrænding, Denmark's largest waste-to-energy company. This partnership, set against the backdrop of Denmark's ambitious environmental goals, aims to leverage surplus heat from atNorth's forthcoming DEN01 data center to supply warmth to homes across the Greater Copenhagen area.

Heat Reuse in Action

Located in Ballerup and expected to be operational by Q1 2026, the DEN01 data center is designed to produce 22.5 megawatts of power. Utilizing advanced Direct Liquid Cooling technology, the facility generates warm water as a byproduct during its energy-efficient operations. Starting in 2028, this excess heat will be harnessed by the district heating network operated by Vestforbrænding to service over 8,000 homes in the vicinity. This initiative not only exemplifies innovative heat reuse but also significantly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions by curtailing the amount of energy needed for central heating in residential areas.

Denmark's Commitment to Sustainability

Denmark stands at the forefront of Europe's decarbonization efforts, having set a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The government is actively phasing out coal usage and is increasingly supportive of initiatives that align with circular economy principles. AtNorth's collaboration with Vestforbrænding underscores this commitment, as the initiative seeks to operate in an environmentally responsible manner while enhancing community engagement.

The partnership also reflects Vestforbrænding’s ambitious District Heating Plan for 2030, which is centered around phasing out oil and gas in thousands of households and integrating diverse energy sources, including waste heat from data centers. Steen Neuchs Vedel, CEO of Vestforbrænding, highlights the importance of such collaborations: "For many years, we have discussed the potential of surplus heat from data centers. Today, we are making that vision a reality. This partnership not only benefits consumers but also demonstrates how sector coupling can take place efficiently."

atNorth's Sustainable Practices

AtNorth is firmly rooted in sustainability, with data centers powered by renewable resources and guided by circular economy practices. Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, emphasized the importance of responsible expansion in response to growing demands for AI-ready infrastructure. He stated, "By pursuing heat reuse partnerships, we can minimize our ecological footprint, provide tangible benefits to surrounding communities, and assist clients in reducing their own carbon emissions."

Furthermore, this initiative follows atNorth's collaboration with Wa3rm, focused on repurposing excess heat from DEN02 data center to cultivate vegetables, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to sustainability. Similarly, atNorth is engaging with Kesko Corporation, a leading Finnish retailer, to recycle waste heat from its FIN02 data center to warm adjacent retail spaces.

The Future of Data Centers

AtNorth continues to push the boundaries of what data centers can achieve in the realm of sustainability. With headquarters in Reykjavik, Iceland, the company operates several strategic data centers across the Nordics and is planning further expansions. These ambitious initiatives not only serve corporate needs but also aim to foster community engagement and support Denmark's broader environmental goals.

As the data center industry evolves, collaborations like this one between atNorth and Vestforbrænding signal a promising shift toward more sustainable practices that can mitigate impacts on the environment while delivering essential services to the community. For more details, visit atNorth or follow their updates on LinkedIn.