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Solving for Climate

Mark Bjornsgaard: The free heat revolution

Nov 21, 2024
Mark Bjornsgaard, the founder of Deep Green, discusses the untapped potential of excess heat from data centers. He explains how 97% of electricity consumed by computers turns into heat, which can be repurposed to heat community facilities like swimming pools and breweries. Bjornsgaard unveils a novel business model that integrates data centers with district heating systems, offering free heat while cutting cooling costs. He also highlights the competitive landscape in district heating innovations and the importance of collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
21:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Data centers produce substantial excess heat which can be repurposed to provide free thermal energy for community needs.
  • Deep Green's innovative business model fosters community relations by supplying free heat while meeting computing demands and lowering operational costs.

Deep dives

Repurposing Data Center Heat

Data centers generate significant excess heat during their operations, with up to 97% of the electricity consumed resulting in heat production. This heat is typically wasted, released into the atmosphere through cooling systems. However, innovative approaches, such as those developed by Deep Green, aim to repurpose this heat for community needs, thereby addressing the inefficiencies inherent in data center operations. By capturing and redirecting this heat, it's possible to provide free thermal energy for applications like heating public swimming pools and residential buildings, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for both data centers and local communities.

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