How can surplus heat from data centers become a resource for other industries? That was the topic when Haugaland Næringspark invited to the event "Circular industrial parks in practice: How do data centers fit in?" during Arendal Week.
Representatives from atNorth, the ZERO Environmental Foundation, Rogaland County Council and Haugaland Business Park discussed the opportunities for utilizing excess heat from data centers, and what steps are needed to succeed.
The panel pointed out that industrial parks can provide good conditions for resource sharing. Proximity between businesses, access to infrastructure and long-term spatial planning can make it easier to use energy that would otherwise be wasted.
“Data centers are very important digital infrastructure, but we must avoid wasting energy. Therefore, ZERO naturally wants stricter requirements that can contribute to the greater use of surplus heat,” said Anne Marit Post-Melbye of the ZERO Environmental Foundation.
Paal Haruki Sanni, Campus Manager at atNorth, referred to the company's experiences from other Nordic countries.
– Making surplus heat available is part of our standard design, and we will also build for it in Haugaland Business Park. We have a clear goal of having it put into use, the sooner the better, said Sanni.
Rogaland County Council was the first in the country to have a regional plan for green industry. Advisor Gyri Haave Nilsen pointed to the plan as an important tool for facilitating future industrial development.
– The data center establishment in Haugaland Næringspark is a textbook example of how the plan can be followed up. At the same time, the use of surplus heat is an area where we still need more instruments and a better framework, said Haave Nilsen.
Haugaland Næringspark is working long-term to facilitate resource sharing, including through land use planning and infrastructure development. A study is currently underway to look into how surplus heat can be utilized in the business park and by other players in the region.