Data Centre Heat Export: Cross-Industry Panel Discussion
District heating networks are widely seen as a low-carbon heating solution for cities and semi-urban environments. Data centres, which play a vital role in the development of digitally enabled cities and are frequently clustered in such regions, naturally generate heat as part of their operations. Integrating data centre heat into heat networks therefore presents a promising avenue for sustainable, low-carbon heating solutions. However, this transition is not without its challenges.
During the panel, techUK members heard from Bruce Owen (Equinix), Noah Nkonge (Equinix), Maria Mohr (Dell Technologies), Cantor Mocke (DESNZ), Charlotte Large (Urban Energy) and Xiaofang Xu (Arup). Our guests provided an overview of the planned regulatory changes, future opportunities, as well as technology and infrastructure gaps that need to be addressed to ensure successful delivery of heat export projects that involve data centres.
A recording from the session can be found below:
techUK has recently published a report on the topic of data centre heat export which outlines the industry’s position on this issue. We will continue collaborating with the government, local authorities, regulators and other sectors to create a suitable framework that will enable data centres to seamlessly contribute to heat networks, ultimately facilitating the provision of green and affordable heating to communities.
For more information please contact:
Luisa C. Cardani
Luisa C. Cardani is the Head of the Data Centres Programme at techUK, aiming to provide a collective voice for UK operators and working with government to improve business environment for the data centres sector.
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Craig Melson
Craig Melson
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
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Josh Turpin
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
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Lucas Banach
Lucas Banach
Lucas Banach is Programme Assistant at techUK, he works on a range of programmes including Data Centres; Climate, Environment & Sustainability; Market Access and Smart Infrastructure and Systems.
Before that Lucas who joined in 2008, held various roles in our organisation, which included his role as Office Executive, Groups and Concept Viability Administrator, and most recently he worked as Programme Executive for Public Sector. He has a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Cracow University.
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