Data thermics: an opportunity for using residual heat from data centers in heating networks

The energy transition is no longer a distant prospect. Architecten already Architecten within a rapidly changing energy system. District heating networks—collective systems that distribute sustainable heat—are becoming increasingly important in this context. But what does that mean in practical terms at the drawing board?

Electrification is stalling on the grid: organizations only discover during implementation that grid reinforcement takes years. A strategic shift is needed—electrical infrastructure must be part of the planning, not an afterthought.

Belgium is in the midst of a new data center wave. International players and local operators are investing heavily in new capacity, but this growth comes with clear preconditions: rising energy demand, stricter European regulations, increasing pressure around sustainability, and limited electrical grid capacity.