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Written question asked by John Whitby (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Martin McCluskey (Labour) on Friday, 22 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Waste Heat Recovery: Data Centres

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of policy measures adopted in Germany to improve energy efficiency and waste heat utilisation in data centres.

Answer

To address the growing energy demands of AI, the AI Energy Council was established. The Council offers expert insights into preparing the UK’s energy system to manage AI’s energy footprint, as well as harnessing AI’s potential within a modern energy system - aligned with the Clean Power 2030 goals.

Heat network zoning will enable heat sources to be connected to a network. This will allow for strategic heat networks to be built across the country, making use of recoverable heat sources, including data centres, where available.

The department is undertaking research into best practice for connecting heat sources to heat networks. This includes learning from national and international case studies.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1036
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Conservation Germany Waste heat recovery Data centres
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk