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Once seen as energy-hungry liabilities, data centers are now emerging as critical assets in addressing urban energy challenges.

The challenge of reusing waste heat from data centers has been examined for years.

A person standing in front of a rack of servers inside a data center

Other facilities are using waste heat to power greenhouses, fostering sustainable food production for nearby communities.

The main technical hurdle lies in the quality of heat produced by data centers.

Low-grade heat must first be upgraded using heat pump systems to make it suitable for district heating networks.

Thebusinessmodel is also evolving, with operators exploring diverse revenue streams.

Future-proofing is becoming standard, with new developments incorporating infrastructure for potential heat web connection connections.

However, long-term heat supply reliability remains a critical factor in planning.

Measuring environmental impact through heat reuse

Environmental considerations are influencing design from the outset.

Embodied carbon in construction materials, renewable energy integration, and total carbon reduction are being prioritized.

Creating successful partnerships

Ultimately, the successful implementation of data center heat reuse projects hinges on stakeholdercollaboration.

This clear division of responsibilities ensures long-term reliability and efficiency.

As the sector shifts its focus towards reducing carbon intensity, collaboration remains critical.

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The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc.

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