Preliminary communication

https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20240703184715

Utilising Data Centres’ Side Streams – A Waste Heat Case Study

Juuso Kivijakola ; University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland *
Silja Heikkinen ; University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
Pekka Tervonen ; University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
Harri Haapasalo orcid.org/0000-0001-5413-5638 ; University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This article investigates the different challenges and phases of building an ecosystem to utilise data centre waste heat. Data centres consume an increasing amount of energy, and currently, in many cases, excess heat is not utilised beyond heating the data centre property. The research examines how a circular economy can be integrated into the operations of a data centre’s waste heat business ecosystem and how a business ecosystem based on utilising waste heat from a data centre should be built. The research is based on a literature review, interviews with experts and stakeholders in the case ecosystem and a survey. Based on the research, a concept for a business ecosystem based on the utilisation of waste heat from a pre-existing data centre perspective is modelled, and the concept outlines things to be considered when building such an ecosystem. Key findings were the challenges, opportunities and prerequisites of developing a data centre waste heat ecosystem and the roadmap of constructing one.

Keywords

business ecosystem; circular economy; data centre; side streams; value chains

Hrčak ID:

346384

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/346384

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

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