Key Takeaways:
- atNorth collaborates with AgTech startup Hringvarmi to recycle waste heat from its ICE03 data center in Iceland.
- The partnership will enable sustainable food production by using data center heat to grow microgreens.
- Hringvarmi’s prototype module will support local agriculture, advancing Iceland’s circular economy.
- This initiative aligns with atNorth’s commitment to sustainability within high-performance computing.
A Sustainable Approach to Waste Heat Management
In a unique partnership aimed at integrating data technology with sustainable agriculture, atNorth, a Nordic leader in colocation and high-performance computing, has teamed up with Icelandic AgTech startup Hringvarmi to repurpose excess heat from its ICE03 data center. This innovative use of waste heat represents a significant step towards creating sustainable agricultural practices within Iceland’s colder climate, making efficient use of energy that would otherwise be lost.
Transforming “Data into Dinner” with Microgreen Cultivation
Hringvarmi will install its Generation 1 prototype module within atNorth’s ICE03 site in Akureyri to demonstrate how waste heat from data centers can be utilized to grow microgreens. In partnership with local food producer Rækta Microfarm, the startup aims to harness this heat to create controlled environments that support year-round crop production. By recycling heat, the project supports Iceland’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported produce and fosters a circular economy.
“We are delighted to be part of atNorth’s innovative data center ecosystem,” says Justine Vanhalst, Co-Founder of Hringvarmi. “Our partnership aims to boost Iceland’s agriculture industry, lessening the need for imported produce and contributing to Iceland’s circular economy.”
High-Efficiency Design with Advanced Cooling Options
Both facilities prioritize energy efficiency, operating at a maximum Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.2. The data centers are equipped to support both air and liquid cooling technologies, depending on customer preferences, making them suitable for high-density HPC workloads. The initial phase of ICE02’s expansion went live in Q3 2024, with further phases for both sites scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025.