Cooperation in data centre optimisation
K51 places data centres in locations where the waste heat can be used sensibly for heating. In collaboration with BKW, the Thurgau-based start-up is optimising the electricity costs for computing power. The data centres are also used in the balancing energy market.
BKW and the start-up company K51 from Eschenz are working together on an innovative project for data centres. K51 places servers and data centres in locations such as greenhouses so that the waste heat from the computing power can be used for heating. “We deliver fossil-free heat free of charge and utilise computing power as an innovative fuel,” Benoît Stroelin, co-founder and CEO of K51, is quoted as saying in a press release from BKW. “Our goal is to significantly reduce energy waste in high-performance computing (HPC) and thus make a relevant contribution to decarbonisation.”
In collaboration with BKW, K51’s first regular data centre has been awarded a customised power supply contract. The operation of the facility is controlled by a daily spot price forecast from BKW Energy so that the computing services are carried out during the most favourable hours.
In addition, BKW connects the K51 data centres to the balancing energy market. In this way, the Bern-based energy supplier can switch the individual data centres on or off as required to maintain grid stability. “In terms of system control and flexibility, K51 fulfils exactly the requirements needed for such a model,” said Thomas Egli, Head of Business Enabling at BKW Energy, in the press release. “We are working closely together to realise additional potential, for example in the area of balancing energy.”