Data center operators explore heat recovery and cooling efficiency

Companies and research institutes are focusing on managing the significant thermal output produced by data centers. Research from the CECS project, led by the Technological Institute of Energy (ITE) in collaboration with AIDIMME, indicates that over 80% of the energy consumed by servers is converted into heat that must be evacuated.

The CECS project is exploring advanced cooling methods, such as immersion cooling, and the use of sustainable insulators made from materials like sugarcane, rice husks, and posidonia. This initiative is funded by IVACE+i and the European Union.

In a separate development, IGNIS and REBI have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of heat networks linked to data centers. This collaboration aims to capture thermal energy generated by these facilities to supply residential buildings, tertiary facilities, and industrial processes. The goal is to integrate data center cooling needs with systems capable of recovering and distributing heat, promoting decarbonization and local community integration.