CEMIS-DCR

Strengthening of Data Center Research Activities in Kajaani Data Center Ecosystem

Kajaani hosts a growing data center ecosystem, which includes excess heat users, energy companies, and research, development and innovation (RDI) actors. The key factors in ensuring the environmental sustainability and responsibility of data center operations relate especially to energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and minimising carbon footprint. They also involve reliability and security throughout the entire lifecycle. Data centers are energy intensive, and the energy demand for artificial intelligence tasks in particular is growing.

The objective of the CEMIS-DCR project is to promote the responsibility and environmental sustainability of data centers. This can be done through solutions that enhance energy efficiency and enable the utilisation of excess heat generated by data centers. The project explores solutions to convert excess heat into electricity and will develop an operational model for collaboration between excess heat producers and users.

Also, the CEMIS-DCR project will carry out data-based simulations and regional optimizations to improve energy efficiency and the use of excess heat. The project will produce recommendations and an action plan for reducing the environmental footprint of data centers. It will also review heat pump solutions for more efficient utilisation of excess heat in district heating and to reduce primary energy consumption.

CSC’s role in the project is to bring concrete experience, expertise and data on the construction, operation and maintenance of data centers. The EuroHPC LUMI supercomputer serves as a concrete example of the utilisation of surplus heat. As a concrete task, CSC is responsible for developing LUMI’s digital twin in cooperation with the University of Oulu. The digital twin will be used to model and develop, among other things, the data center’s energy efficiency and other technical solutions.

The CEMIS-DCR project supports the development of the Kainuu region’s innovation ecosystem.