The linear way of thinking and acting is behind us. Instead, we’re building a circular data center establishment that is not only efficient when it comes to resource utilization but also highly sustainable. But what is a circular infrastructure, how are we achieving it, and what benefits does it provide?
Designing a circular ecosystem – from scratch
Our new data center, EcoDataCenter 2, will, in the initial phase, be a 32-acre establishment where green energy, heat waste, and resources will flow in a closed-loop system. This means, for example, that any excess energy or heat generated in one area is used in another, and all resources within are efficiently managed and recycled.
To truly achieve a circular infrastructure, it’s essential to work with other like-minded organizations that share the same values and vision of a sustainable future. By establishing a collaborative hub, we can all support one another, share resources, and reduce reliance on external factors.
Our establishment is unique, not only because of its size but because we design and build it from the ground up. By creating an ecosystem that’s circular from the very beginning, we’re setting a foundation for future expansion and establishing a circular community that is truly self-sufficient.
It all starts with green (and cheap) energy
Utilizing renewable energy is a critical aspect of creating our sustainable ecosystem. That’s why we’re building EcoDataCenter 2 in Sweden, where green energy sources, such as hydropower and wind power, are abundant. Like our other centers, it will be wooden-built, and the electricity consumed will be 100% renewable. Our EcoDataCenter 1 is a prime example of our commitment to sustainability – emitting 49 times less carbon than a typical data center in Germany.
Sweden also offers a competitive advantage in terms of electricity prices. In 2022, Sweden had one of the lowest electricity prices in Europe, enabling us to operate at a lower cost. This creates a win-win situation for both our business and our customers, as we can offer immensely competitive prices while still maintaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.
Managing and sharing our resources
As a high-performing data center, we have a valuable resource that is often overlooked – heat waste. EcoDataCenter 2 will utilize this resource by providing excess heat to a large food production area through fish farming and greenhouses.
In symbiosis with WA3RM, we can supply food production companies with warm water and other heat elements from our data center, which they use in their production processes. This creates the ecosystem we’re looking for, where resources are reused and exchanged – minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. And we expect to build upon this foundation in the future, utilizing resources even more efficiently and between more parties.
Giving back to the community
EcoDataCenter 2 will be situated in the southern Swedish city of Östersund. But it’s not just a typical data center; it’s a state-of-the-art industrial establishment that prioritizes sustainable community development. Its unique circular design offers the advantage of optimizing the distribution of arable land in the country. Specifically, by constructing the facility this way, we create additional 32 acres of arable land, which is a 21% increase from the existing 150 acres in Sweden.
But it doesn’t stop there. EcoDataCenter’s commitment to using local labor and construction materials creates a ripple effect around us. The project’s creation of 1,000 jobs annually is a significant boost to the local economy, providing opportunities for residents to improve their standard of living. Additionally, by using local materials and labor, we reduce the facility's carbon footprint, further supporting our establishment’s larger goal of sustainability.
It’s better to show than to tell. Visit EcoDataCenter 2’s website to learn more about the project, its goals, and how we’re achieving them.
