Most of us have first-hand experience of our devices overheating when we use them heavily. Imagine how much bigger the heat generated by large servers and data centers must be, especially today. But all this heat generated can still be of use and there are some solutions that try new methods of producing it. So it makes perfect sense to actually reuse this heat. And this is not just a plan for the future. The Equinix Heat Export program is already in action and we can witness it during the 2024 Olympics.
Very cool! > Paris 2024: Excess #DataCenter Heat Used to Warm Olympic Swimming Pools. An Equinix data center is playing a supporting role at the Paris Summer Olympics this year. We take a closer look at the project. https://t.co/tj19KSlqvG #Paris2024 #sustainability pic.twitter.com/anTEbdImLX
— Ron Vokoun (@RonVokoun) July 28, 2024
Olympic heating
The 2024 Olympics differentiate themselves from previous versions as they are committed to respecting the environment. This includes using the Equinix Heat Export program. The details on this were agreed upon back in 2022. It was practically built alongside the Paris Aquatic Centre which was still under construction at the time and which we can now see.
Traditionally, any excess heat from data centers was just released into the atmosphere. With the Equinix Heat Export, the heat is captured and redirected. The heat is redirected via underground pipes through water to the local energy providers. From there, the providers adjust the temperature with a heat pump, distribute it to the community, and return cold water to restart the cycle. The company further estimates that an Equinix IBX data center can produce 45 GWh of heat exported in a year, which would (heat pump included) fulfill the needs of about 4500 households.
Leaving a mark
While both the heat produced and the heat needed tend to fluctuate, the impact of heat export can be massive. Apart from the Equinix Heat Export, the company has similar initiatives dating as far back as 2010. And they’re not the only ones. Microsoft and other tech giants have also shown interest in the idea. The tech giant estimates that by implementing it they would reach a negative carbon footprint by 2030.
Small communities tend to express concern when industrial construction is planned, and they are fully in the right to think so. But for once, heat export flips the script. It is an industrial idea no doubt, but not only does it bring jobs to the community, it also reduces carbon footprint. It still remains to be seen if everything will go according to plan. However, I am excited to see how the industrial sector can further reveal itself as an unlikely ally of the environment.
YouTube: The Olympic Aquatic Centre is Heated by the Internet
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Photo credits: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Andrea Piacquadio. The image in the body of the article is owned by Equinix and has been made available for press usage.
Sources: La Revue du Digital / Microsoft
