Close cooperation between science and practice is essential in order to understand the potential, challenges and implementation possibilities of intelligent waste heat utilisation from data centres and to gain valuable insights. The cooperation with a data centre operator as part of DC2HEAT is generating important findings that are of great importance for both research and practice. The challenges facing aixit and the opportunities they see in the cooperation with DC2HEAT are discussed in an interview with Marius Nolte, B2B Marketing Director at aixit.
Why is research as part of DC2HEAT important to you and what opportunities do you see for you as a data centre operator?
"The topic of waste heat utilisation offers enormous potential - both ecologically and economically. That's why we expressly welcome the DC2HEAT initiative and are proud to be working on solutions as part of this innovative project. For us, the first step is to gain knowledge. It is also essential for aixit to understand what potential and direct links to opportunities actually open up through the intelligent use of waste heat.
At our site in Frankfurt, we already use some of the waste heat from the data centre to heat parts of the building. Of course, it is a shame that a significant proportion of this valuable heat energy is still being lost. In DC2HEAT, we see the opportunity to provide a deeper transferable understanding of further potential or optimisation approaches by evaluating our infrastructure and climate data through the integration of AI-based analyses and also to gain this for ourselves."
The utilisation of waste heat from data centres is still relatively uncommon in Germany. What obstacles/barriers do you see with regard to waste heat utilisation?
"The limited spread of waste heat utilisation in Germany is due to several factors that require a multi-stage approach to finding a solution. One key point is the lack of transparency or information about what specific potential actually exists at a location and which implementation models are technically feasible and economically viable."
What would help you and perhaps other data centre operators to overcome these hurdles/barriers?
"A key aspect in the use of waste heat from data centres is the infrastructure, as the in-house utilisation of waste heat in data centres is limited. The expansion of local and district heating networks must be driven forward so that waste heat can be fed in easily and efficiently. Stronger networking between energy suppliers, political players and the IT sector could be decisive in overcoming obstacles and establishing the utilisation of waste heat as an integral part of sustainable energy policy.
This creates a potential level for optimising one's own situation. However, this needs to be understood, so the first step is to create more knowledge and clarity: What is the potential in the field of efficiency and how does it relate to the intention of heat utilisation? Which systemic scenarios could be realised in the long term?
There is no doubt in the industry that the decisive aspect is the economic framework conditions. For many data centre operators, the use of waste heat becomes more attractive if it is at least a cost-neutral model - ideally, the load could be reduced through initial investments with additional incentives, such as government subsidies."
aixit GmbH
Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, aixit has been active in the field of data centre services, cloud solutions and network infrastructures for almost 30 years. In doing so, aixit relies on a dense network of over ten data centres at various locations in Europe and thus offers a reliable basis for its customers' IT infrastructures. With a strong focus on security and sustainability, aixit's data centres are operated to the highest standards. The company uses 100% renewable energy and is ISO 27001-certified. In addition, aixit is active in the carrier business as a dark fibre lighting company, providing high-performance and customised network solutions. By combining technological expertise and years of experience, aixit creates a future-proof platform for digital business processes.
