NZIH Workshop in Amsterdam: Pilot projects to start in 2025
Data Centers as grid assets, heat reuse ready solutions with and without district heating, and clean back-up solutions.The Net Zero innovation hub for data centers hosted a workshop in Amsterdam at Google, where the Hub members presented innovative solutions which will be integrated in pilots in 2025.
During the workshop, hub members were updated on ongoing projects. The ongoing RFI for net-zero data center back-up solutions has delivered multiple clean back–up solutions, which are currently being evaluated. The Heat Reuse team delivered reference designs, ready to be implemented in projects. The Operators aligned the Scope 3 emissions project track, led by Data4.
Testing Phase for Innovative Net Zero Solutions kicks off in 2025
As one of the key takeaways, CEO Alberto Ravagni was able to share that The Hub is now part of the European Testing Experimental Sites (TEFs) network, supported by the European Commission.
TEFs are specialised large-scale reference sites open to all technology providers across Europe to test and experiment at scale state-of-the art AI solutions, including both soft-and hardware products and services.
Alberto expands: “We are building a European network of testing sites to drive innovation and lead the transition to a sustainable future. We invite you to join us in testing innovations ready for demonstration.”
A few of the highlights from the workshop included solutions being presented on major project tracks:
- Heat Reuse Solutions: Integrating with district heating systems and alternative heat off-takers.
- Reference Designs for developing heat-reuse-ready data centers.
- Clean Onsite Power Generation: Delivering clean backup solutions and faster power access for data centers, a project area already receiving strong industry interest, as well described in this Sean James post.
- The evaluation phase has begun for the first batch of innovations submitted through the new RFI (Request for Innovation).
Participants included representatives from Google, Danfoss, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, Alfa Laval, BP, Deif, RISE, Mitsubishi, Wilo, PLDCA, WA3RM, Høje Taastrup District Heating, Noord-Holland and Innio Jenbacher.
Inspiring presentations
The workshop included inspiring talks and knowledge sharing, covering heat reuse, scope 3 and clean energy backup.
Presentations from the workshop are available for Hub members.
Interested in becoming a member?
Thomas Parker from WA3RM shared how WA3RM is bringing waste to life by. WA3RM was recently announced as a partner for heat reuse on a major atNorth data center project in Denmark. When it comes to heat reuse, The Hub works with two major tracks, and Heat-to-x (heat reuse for other purposes than district heating) is a track showing promise as a solution in places where district heating isn’t as widespread.
“When connecting a data center with a greenhouse, remember that one of these is a high-tech energy facility,” said Thomas Parker, Wa3rm, in a memorable quote.
Frederik Rugaard from Høje Taastrup District Heating followed up with inspiring examples of successful integration between the Danish district heating company and local data centers.
Piotr Kowalski from Polish Data Center Association shared the experiences the PLDCA has built in data center waste heat recovery. Poland is now the 2nd largest district heating network in Europe and has large potential for utilizing waste heat. “Poland has historically been seen as a coal-oriented country, but we are on a steep path to decarbonization where data center will play an important role,” Piotr explained.
Drew Turner from Danfoss gave an update on the heat reuse project with a focus on reference design for heat reuse. The heat reuse group is now looking for testing sites to test reference design scenarios.
Learning from EV charging to data center Alan Agurto Goya from BP shared thoughts onwhat EV fast charging and data centers have in common. The relevant grid impact and innovative solutions to turn it into a positive impact.
The Hub has launched its track on de-risking investments.
Through the NZIH innovation process, it creates diverse investment opportunities tailored to different investor profiles—from venture capital supporting small companies in validation stages to project and infrastructure investments for scaling up.
By leveraging both private and public funding sources, the Hub aims to drive innovation at scale.
The Hub will leverage private and public funding sources to scale innovation.It will foster collaboration among the investment arms of its members, working to catalyze and mitigate risks in innovation investments.
