The Selected Group in Denmark is reusing surplus heat from a nearby data centre to support year-round local food production, reducing the country’s reliance on imported produce.
The heat reuse partnership has been established with a leading Nordic high-density colocation provider, atNorth.
Under the agreement, surplus heat from atNorth's DENO2 data centre 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.
The greenhouse facilities will be established immediately adjacent to the data centre, within the local plan area, creating a long-term, integrated ecosystem connecting digital infrastructure and local food production.
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.”
atNorth CEO, Eyjolfur Magnus Kristinsson, said this partnership demonstrates exactly what responsible digital infrastructure should look like.
“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,” he said.
“DEN02 is designed to integrate into the Ølgod community, and this project exemplifies this."
Selected Group CEO, Peter Nielsen, said 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,” Nielsen said.
“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 centres are built."