Computers could soon be heating buildings
Technology is being tested that allows heat generated by computers to warm offices and homes. IBM has launched a trial in Switzerland that could see the heat produced by large datacentres being recycled to heat offices.
The three-year trial of the Aquarsar system could reduce carbon emissions by 85% because of lower demand for central heating, and less energy being needed to cool processors inside PCs. Datacentres are responsible for a large share of global energy consumption. This is growing as use of the internet grows and developing countries strengthen their technology industries and infrastructures.
The Guardian reported that in 2005 datacentres were responsible for 1% of global electricity consumption - double the figure of five years earlier. The figure is thought to be rising rapidly but it is not totally clear by how much because companies often will not disclose how many datacentres they run and how much energy they use.
