In a groundbreaking initiative in London, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation is set to harness waste heat from data centres to warm homes and businesses. This innovative project aims to utilize the abundant waste heat generated by data centres to provide heating for over 10,000 homes and 250,000 square meters of commercial space. The initiative is part of a £36 million government-funded scheme focused on recycling waste heat to promote lower energy bills and support net zero goals by 2050.
London’s data centres produce a significant amount of waste heat annually. Reports suggest that this waste heat could potentially warm around 500,000 homes, with an estimated recoverable heat potential of 1.6 terawatt-hours. The project will incorporate low-grade waste heat from these data centres and convert it into Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW), which will be distributed through a new ambient network designed for community heating.
This approach not only addresses heating needs but also aligns with broader sustainability and energy efficiency goals. The initiative marks a significant milestone as it is the first instance in the UK where data centre waste heat is effectively harnessed for community heating.
