Presentation Description: The Intermarket Properties and Region of Waterloo are evaluating the feasibility of recovering waste heat from an AI data centre to supply a low-carbon district energy system. This initiative would be the first AI data centre in Ontario to implement waste heat recovery at scale. The presentation will outline the benefits of integrating AI data centres with district energy systems, system development approach and progress to date, and provide a technical overview of the project.
Case Study: District energy systems across North America have integrated with data centres, demonstrating a proven and established approach in using this waste heat, such as the Markham District Energy system recovering waste heat from the IBM and Equinix data centres. The rapid growth of the AI sector and its increasing energy demands represent an opportunity to apply lessons learned and best practices from existing data centre integrations to facilitate waste heat recovery from AI-focused facilities. This includes stakeholder engagement, development of the ownership structure, and establishment of contractual agreements to ensure reliable heat supply and cost-sharing mechanisms.
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