Data Center Waste Heat to Power

Turning Data Center Waste Heat into Clean Power with Eureka’s ORC System

The Role and Energy Challenge of Data Centres in a Digital World

Data centres (DCs) are critical pillars of today’s information-driven society. They support a wide range of essential technologies, including cloud computing, 5G networks, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and more. As global demand for cloud connectivity and high-performance computing continues to grow, the development and expansion of data centres are accelerating rapidly.

However, with this growth comes a significant challenge: energy consumption.

A typical AI-focused data centre consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households. The largest hyperscale facilities currently under construction are projected to consume up to 20 times more. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report AI and Energy 2025, data centres accounted for approximately 1.5% of global electricity use in 2024, equivalent to 415 terawatt-hours (TWh). By 2030, this figure is expected to more than double, reaching around 945 TWh.

Cooling and Waste Heat: An Opportunity for Efficiency

Up to 40% of a data centre’s energy consumption is used for cooling, resulting in substantial quantities of waste heat. Traditionally, this waste heat has been released into the atmosphere or dissipated through cooling systems. Today, more sustainable solutions are emerging.

Heat pumps are increasingly being deployed to upgrade low-grade waste heat into usable thermal energy. This heat can then be repurposed for:

  • District heating systems
  • Greenhouses or agriculture processes
  • Absorption chillers, and other industrial or municipal uses


However, the effective use of upgraded heat through heat pumps requires that the data centre be located near an industrial or urban environment with sufficient demand to match the heat output.

Turning Waste Heat into Power with Eurekas ORC System

A promising innovation for large and hyperscale data centres—especially those using immersion cooling servers—is the integration of Eurekas’ low-temperature Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. This technology allows waste heat to be converted directly into electricity, offering a compelling pathway for:

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Domestic production of clean electricity

By transforming waste heat into “renewable energy”, this approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also strengthens energy resilience and grid independence.

For further information, please contact us.