atNorth, a leading Nordic high-density colocation and built-to-suit data centre provider, today announced a heat reuse partnership with Nordic platform for sustainable infrastructure, Selected Group. Under the agreement, surplus heat from atNorth’s DEN02 data centre campus in Ølgod will power Selected Group’s large-scale greenhouse development.
The partnership reflects atNorth’s approach to integrating heat reuse opportunities into the design of its data centres. By connecting digital infrastructure with local food production, the project demonstrates how surplus heat can contribute to national sustainability goals, circular economy principles and more resource-efficient development.
The majority of fresh fruit and vegetables sold in Denmark are currently imported, particularly during the winter months when domestic production is limited by the climate. By reusing surplus heat from DEN02, the greenhouse development is intended to support year-round local food production, reduce reliance on imported produce and contribute to a more resilient food supply.
Alongside its environmental impact, the development will deliver significant local benefits for the Ølgod community, representing a major local investment that creates meaningful job opportunities during both construction and ongoing operations while establishing a flexible, future-proof model for sustainable industry growth.
The project is designed to scale in tandem with DEN02’s development, with the first phase expected to be completed in Q3 2028. Greenhouse facilities will be developed on land adjacent to the DEN02 site, creating a long-term, integrated ecosystem between digital infrastructure and local agriculture. The reuse of surplus heat in the developments first phase will substantially lower carbon output compared with traditional fossil-heated greenhouse operations, reinforcing Denmark’s circular energy ambitions.
“This partnership demonstrates exactly what responsible digital infrastructure should look like”, said Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO atNorth. “By collaborating with forward‑thinking organisations like Selected Group, we can transform surplus heat into a valuable resource that supports local food production, reduces carbon emissions and strengthens community resilience. DEN02 is designed to integrate into Ølgod community, and this project exemplifies this.”
Peter Nielsen, CEO Selected Group added, “Every unit of surplus heat should create value. By partnering with atNorth to convert surplus heat into local food production, we are demonstrating how digital infrastructure can strengthen food security while reducing emissions. Reducing dependence on imported produce strengthens national food resilience, shortens supply chains, and removes the emissions associated with transporting fresh produce across borders. We believe this model can be replicated wherever large-scale data centers are built.”
The news follows atNorth’s recent announcement of a heat reuse partnership with Vestforbrænding, to recycle surplus heat from atNorth’s DEN01 data center for use within the local district‑heating network. atNorth also collaborates with Kesko Corporation in Finland to provide heat for a local store and also partners with Stockholm Exergi at its SWE01 campus to heat local homes and businesses.
