Unavoidable energy corresponds to the energy lost by the production of a process, which is not consumed and which is even considered as waste. It represents enormous potential in terms of energy production.
This is precisely what several start-ups have tried to change by creating heating systems capable of recycling the waste heat given off by data centers.
Explanations.
The implementation of law n°2021-1485 to reduce the digital footprint
Law n°2021-1485 aimed at reducing the digital footprint in France was implemented on November 15, 2021. It mainly concerns data centers or computer servers which are responsible for 30% of the environmental footprint of the digital sector. . The law encourages the recovery of waste heat from data centers for use in tertiary and public buildings or in residential buildings.
The building sector represents 40% of total final energy consumption in France and is responsible for more than a third of greenhouse gas emissions. It is thus one of the most energy-intensive sectors, and it is essential to act to reduce its contribution to climate change. To do this, the energy renovation of the existing stock and the adoption of more energy-efficient solutions are major challenges for the years to come.
A concrete example in Launaguet, near Toulouse
In Launaguet, near Toulouse, tenants heat themselves “free” thanks to radiators which are in fact data centers installed in each apartment in the residence. Tenants can turn on the radiator servers whenever they want and are reimbursed for the electricity consumption consumed each month. Tenants have seen their bills drop by €293 each year and some have even had their conventional radiators removed to heat only with the data center.
An innovative, economical and sustainable solution
This data center heating solution is innovative and reduces the environmental footprint while providing thermal comfort to tenants. It is also economical, because tenants do not pay for their heating and are even reimbursed for the electricity consumed.
This experiment is an example of how waste heat recovery from data centers can be used to reduce the environmental footprint and improve people’s thermal comfort. It is possible that this solution will be extended to other apartment buildings or public buildings in the future.
The importance of continuing to explore innovative solutions
It is important to continue to explore innovative solutions to reduce the environmental footprint related to digital technology and the use of data centers.
The implementation of this data center heating solution also shows the possibility of creating synergies between different sectors, such as IT and real estate, to find sustainable solutions. This innovation also makes it possible to recover waste heat from data centers, which is often considered waste, by transforming it into a useful resource for heating.
Technical aspects to consider
There are technical aspects to consider when setting up this heating solution.
An appropriate technical infrastructure and regular maintenance are necessary to guarantee optimal operation. It is also necessary to ensure the security and confidentiality aspect of the data passing through these facilities.
Towards more sober days?
This innovative project is an example of how waste heat from data centers can be used to reduce the digital footprint and improve people’s thermal comfort.
It is possible that this solution will be extended to other buildings in the future, and it is important to continue to explore innovative solutions to reduce the environmental footprint related to data centers.
