Nordic data centers heat homes

Data center consume immense amounts of energy, much of which is given off as heat (see: 2nd law of thermodynamics). In much of the world, the heat just goes into the environment. In Finland and Sweden, efforts are underway to use that waste heat for home heating.

“• Microsoft and other companies are building large-scale data centers in Nordic countries, where cold climates, cheap renewable power, and district heating infrastructure allow waste heat to be captured and reused.

“• Finland’s Espoo plans to heat up to 100,000 homes with waste heat from Microsoft’s new facility, helping to phase out fossil-fueled systems and cut emissions.


“• Still, not all sites recover heat, and the enormous energy demands of data centers — which could double by 2030 — are sparking backlash, especially in regions where electricity is already stretched thin.”

Data center investments are mainly what’s keeping the stock market above water. Data center construction jobs are keeping the US out of recession. But I suspect US consumers are going to be unhappy seeing their electric bills skyrocket as they compete with data centers for energy.

https://www.dailyclimate.org/nordic-homes-are-being-warmed-by-waste-heat-from-massive-data-centers-2672316782.html

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