Heat Reuse Platform

HRP Update #2 – news on the Proof of Concept, website, and next steps.

Project Introduction
Data centres produce large amounts of excess heat, of which most is wasted. District heating networks,
on the other hand, need heat sources. The Heat Reuse Platform (HRP) connects the two and aims at
bringing both sides faster and easier to the table. How does this work? The platform matches data
centres with nearby heating networks across Europe. It thus cuts the time it takes to find partners,
agree terms, and get projects started. It provides contract templates, calculators and feasibility tools,
and training to help operators move faster with less risk. HRP is led by EUDCA, Euroheat & Power (EHP),
Net Zero Innovation Hub (NZIH), and the Open Compute Project (OCP).

Key Activities

Webinar 1: Making Heat Reuse Work
The first HRP webinar takes place on 30 March, organised by EHP. Moderated by Pauline Lucas (EHP),
speakers Jo-Ann Garbutt (Digital Realty/EUDCA), Luca Neumann (EHP), and Noah Nkonge
(Equinix/EUDCA) have covered the technical, operational, commercial, and governance foundations for
successful collaboration between data centre and district heating network operators. The session has
also introduced HRP and how it supports structured matching across Europe.
Almost 200 people have attended the webinar. Watch the recording here.

Platform Data collection
The first round of data collection for the matchmaking platform is complete. Data for over 150 data
centre sites and over 200 heating networks across Europe have been received, covering key data points
on heat temperature, demand, location, and contact details. Collection from district heating network
operators is underway in parallel. Geospatial data is being integrated to enable proximity-based
matching. The dataset is expected to grow significantly in Q2 as more operators submit data.

Working Group Updates
The Working Group has developed a draft ROM Calculator and Decision Tree for early feasibility
estimation. The tool is designed to help project teams make faster, better-informed viability decisions
without needing detailed engineering input at the outset. It covers preliminary economic and risk
assessments, the impact of a heat reuse project on data centre PUE performance, and electricity price
projections – a critical variable in determining long-term project viability. Reference data for heat
pumps and heat exchangers is included to sharpen assumptions on available equipment and suppliers.

On the regulatory side, a pilot study examined permitting and compliance requirements across six
cities in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The study combined desktop research with real
permitting data from live projects to identify gaps operators commonly face. Its findings will feed into
a practical compliance checklist to help operators navigate administrative requirements more
efficiently using helpful links per country/city.

Alongside this, HRP partner OCP is developing an AI-based tool that scans regulatory and policy sources
by geographic location. If successful, this could substantially reduce the manual effort involved in tracking permitting obligations across different jurisdictions – a significant bottleneck for heat reuse
projects.

Upcoming Priorities

Q2 2026 marks the end of the pilot phase. By close of quarter, all outstanding deliverables are due for
completion. This includes the HRP map view and distance tools, the resource site, the second webinar,
and a final position on how policy and permitting information will be shared through the platform. A
“lessons-learned and recommendations” report will be submitted to the Steering Committee for
review and approval, setting the foundation for the scaling phase of the project.

Steering Committee (SC)
– Funding remains a priority. HRP is actively exploring options and submitting proposals to secure
support for phase 3 (scaling).
– On visibility and outreach, 2-3 SC members will represent HRP at the 2026 EMEA OCP Summit in
Barcelona on 29-30 April. The HRP LinkedIn page will launch in Q2 and begin publishing content
regularly.
– Platform progress continues with the first batch of data going live on the matchmaking platform in Q2,
alongside a second HRP webinar – details to follow.

Working group (WG)
The ROM Calculator will be distributed to all WG members for testing against historical project data,
validating predicted outcomes over a 15–20-year horizon. Members of HRP partners are also invited
to contribute to the permitting compliance checklist, drawing on their own experience navigating
administrative requirements across different jurisdictions. Looking ahead, the WG will be asked to
begin capturing best practices within a structured lessons learned framework – input that will feed
directly into the recommendations document going to the Steering Committee at the end of Q2.

Challenges & Opportunities

Data collection remains the primary operational challenge. Most operators work across multiple
countries, meaning every data request moves through layered data collection and approval chains.
Progress is steady but slower than anticipated.

The first HRP webinar signalled genuine market interest in the platform and its tools. Translating that
interest into active participation from district heating network operators remains a priority for Q2.

On the regulatory front, EU legislation affecting data centres and heat reuse projects is in flux. The
proposed Environmental Omnibus aims to reduce administrative burden and shorten environmental
assessments – a potential tailwind for heat reuse projects if adopted. HRP will monitor developments
closely and work with partners to keep the permitting checklist and policy tools current.

Securing funding for phase 3 remains an open question. The pilot phase has demonstrated clear
demand and produced tangible tools. That track record strengthens the case for continued investment,
and proposals are actively being submitted.