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:
Weronika Dorociak
Weronika joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Sustainability in October 2023.
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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Contact the team
Weronika Dorociak
Weronika Dorociak
Weronika joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Sustainability in October 2023.
Her role involves advocating for the tech sector in front of key policymakers and stakeholders. Weronika also leads the environmental and sustainability efforts within the Data Centres Group.
Prior to joining techUK, Weronika worked in public affairs and government relations in the legal sector, focusing on innovation and ESG within financial services. She also spent 2 years working as a Caseworker at Parliament. She holds a BA in Politics & International Relations from Queen Mary University of London.
Outside of work, Weronika can be found on a tennis court, at the gym, practicing yoga, or indulging in her love for Taylor Swift's music as a dedicated Swiftie.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/weronikaedorociak/
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2172
- Twitter:
- @techUK,@techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936,https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2006
- Twitter:
- @techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-banach-50139650
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