atNorth Announces New Heat Reuse Partnership with Kesko Corporation
atNorth has recently revealed its latest collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable practices within its operations. This partnership involves one of Finland’s top retailers, Kesko Corporation, and focuses on repurposing waste heat generated by atNorth’s FIN02 data center in Sinimäki, Espoo.
By harnessing this waste heat, Kesko’s nearby store will be able to significantly reduce its reliance on traditional heating sources. In fact, the heat provided by atNorth’s data center will cover nearly all of the heating energy needed by Kesko’s site, aligning with Kesko’s target of reducing scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 50 percent. This reduction is crucial, as a large portion of Kesko’s emissions stem from heating its buildings.
This innovative partnership not only enhances atNorth’s energy efficiency but also aids Kesko in decreasing its emissions associated with district heating. By working together, both companies are actively contributing to Finland’s circular economy while lowering their carbon footprint.
Driving Sustainability Through Collaborative Efforts
Antti Kokkonen, Kesko’s Director of Energy, highlights the significance of this collaboration in achieving their sustainability goals. He states, “Our sustainability strategy aims to reduce CO2 emissions from heating our properties. By partnering with atNorth, we can reduce Kesko’s emissions by 0.9 percent, resulting in savings of approximately 200tCO2 equivalent annually. This is equivalent to the energy consumption of about 120 district-heated detached houses, making it one of our most impactful CO2 reduction initiatives this year.”
Furthermore, atNorth has also secured a partnership with Caruna Espoo Oy to access 45MW of reliable power for its FIN02 data center. This investment not only benefits atNorth but also supports Caruna in enhancing and modernizing its power infrastructure for the entire region.
Empowering Finland’s Energy Landscape
Kosti Rautiainen, EVP Customers and New Ventures at Caruna, emphasizes the pivotal role data centers play in bolstering Finland’s power infrastructure and economic growth. He explains, “atNorth’s investment in Espoo contributes to the development of a carbon-neutral energy system through innovative heat reuse partnerships and fosters local employment opportunities. We are proud to be part of this data center ecosystem that benefits our community.”
CEO of atNorth, Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, expresses his satisfaction with the collaborative efforts driving their vision of sustainable data center ecosystems. He states, “By partnering with like-minded businesses, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also assist others in their sustainability journey. Supporting local power networks ensures long-term power availability, benefiting the community as a whole.”
Investing in Finland’s Digital Future
atNorth’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its investments across Finland. Since acquiring two data centers in early 2023, the company has been actively developing additional sites to support the country’s digital landscape. The operational FIN02 site in Sinimäki, Espoo, and the upcoming ‘mega site’ in Kouvola demonstrate atNorth’s dedication to driving sustainable practices and fostering economic growth within the region.
