atNorth's DEN01 Data Center: Pioneering Sustainable Heating for Danish Homes

atNorth, a prominent player in the Nordic data center market, recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Vestforbrænding, the leading waste-to-energy firm in Denmark. This collaboration aims to channel the surplus heat generated by atNorth's cutting-edge DEN01 data center into the district heating network of local communities. The DEN01 facility, based in Ballerup, Greater Copenhagen, is designed to become operational in the first quarter of 2026 and will mark a significant step forward in sustainable heating solutions for Denmark.

Overview of the Partnership

The agreement focuses on utilizing excess heat from the DEN01 data center, which employs innovative Direct Liquid Cooling technology to enhance energy efficiency. This excess heat is expected to provide warm water for Vestforbrænding's district heating network, ultimately facilitating heating for over 8,000 local homes by 2028. As a result, both atNorth and Vestforbrænding will significantly reduce their respective carbon footprints, aligning with Denmark's ambitious climate goals.

Denmark’s government has set an inspiring target: to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2045, aiming for a marked 110% reduction in emissions by 2050. With these goals in mind, the Danish authorities are phasing out coal usage in the district heating sector. They are also endorsing heat recycling projects that embrace the principles of a circular economy. In light of this, the collaboration between atNorth and Vestforbrænding embodies the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

The Role of atNorth's DEN01 Data Center

The DEN01 data center is strategically located, supported by 22.5MW of metro power. This facility reflects atNorth’s core values of sustainability and responsible data center operations. By reusing the surplus heat, atNorth not only lessens its environmental impact but simultaneously offers tangible benefits to the local community. Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, the CEO of atNorth, emphasized the critical importance of implementing scalable data center solutions that support community sustainability while meeting the growing demand for AI-driven digital infrastructure.

This development aligns perfectly with Vestforbrænding's ongoing efforts to enhance its district heating network as part of a comprehensive District Heating Plan for 2030. This plan is pivotal for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with a focus on integrating renewable energy sources and surplus heat recovery from data centers into the heating supply.

Vision for a Greener Future

Steen Neuchs Vedel, CEO of Vestforbrænding, commented on the importance of this collaboration, stating, "For many years, we have talked about surplus heat from data centers being part of the future. Now the future is here. With today's contract signing, we are showing the way forward." This vision also involves ensuring consumers can benefit directly from this innovative heating solution.

The partnership mirrors other sustainable projects atNorth is pursuing; the company recently collaborated with Wa3rm to utilize excess heat for growing vegetables near its DEN02 data center in Denmark. Additionally, atNorth’s agreement with Finnish retailer Kesko involves recycling waste heat to heat a neighboring store, showcasing the multiple avenues available for transforming data center operations into community resources.

About atNorth

Founded in Reykjavik, Iceland, atNorth specializes in high-density colocation, tailored data solutions, and operates eight data centers across strategic Nordic locations. An additional sites under construction in Finland and Denmark further affirm its commitment to scalability. The operations at atNorth's data centers are powered by renewable energy resources, reinforcing their dedication to environmentally-conscious practices.

At a time when sustainable solutions are essential, atNorth's efforts to collaborate on heat recycling initiatives aspire not only to provide essential services but also to contribute towards global climate goals, setting an exemplary benchmark for the data center industry.

For more information about their innovative strategies in the field, visit atNorth.com.