This paper investigates the integration of data center waste heat into district heating networks, evaluating its potential from technical, energy, economic, and environmental perspectives. It offers a comprehensive review of global efforts to recover waste heat from data centers, focusing on existing research, practical applications, and the effectiveness of current technologies. Key challenges are identified, including complex technical issues, economic constraints, policy limitations, and gaps in infrastructure. The study proposes solutions to address these challenges, aiming to improve the efficiency and feasibility of waste heat recovery systems. Additionally, the paper examines future trends in advancing data center waste heat recovery, with an emphasis on sustainable development and technological innovations such as smart energy systems and thermal energy storage solutions. The goal is to provide a detailed overview of the current landscape and offer actionable recommendations for enhancing the integration of waste heat into district heating networks. By doing so, the paper aims to promote greener energy solutions, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future worldwide. • Data center waste heat recovery boosts energy efficiency in district heating. • 4th and 5th-gen heating systems optimize waste heat use, reducing carbon emissions. • Heat pumps and thermal storage enhance heat recovery efficiency and balance demand. • Policy and innovation drive waste heat recovery as a key future energy solution.
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Yuan et al. (2025) studied this question.
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