Study on how data centers can actively contribute to the energy system

Sammanfattning

With the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and machine learning, data centers have become critical infrastructure, supporting high-intensity computing on a global scale. As a result, they have emerged as significant energy consumers, and new ways are being explored to make their operation more sustainable and efficient. This thesis investigates how data centers can transition from merely being energy consumers to actively participating in the energy market through waste heat recovery and reutilization, and providing grid stabilisation services. Through the analysis of qualitative data gathered from interviews and published research, this paper answers specific research questions that lead to conclusions on how this participation was made possible. The thesis is based on two case studies conducted on PDC and T-Loop’s way of contributing to the energy system. The study examines cooling systems, types of grid stabilisation services, synergies with partners, and business models to see how active participation in the energy market was made possible. A final case study comparison discusses both companies' business models, focusing on heat reuse and grid stabilisation services, to give clear conclusions on which to base the discussion. Findings indicate that existing implementations already demonstrate the feasibility of these technologies while improving sustainability in their operations and creating new revenue streams. Integrating heat recovery and grid stabilisation services into their operation is helping data centers to comply with new European regulations and giving them a competitive advantage over their competitors by making their operation more environmentally responsible and efficient.