A new report draws attention to global wasted energy problem. The world wastes more energy than it uses, whilst Europe’s waste heat alone could power Paris for 48 years.
Two-thirds of global energy was wasted as heat in 2024 – and up to 55% is still expected to be wasted by 2030. Yet reusing waste heat, (energy that has already been produced and paid for) could help the EU cut its dependence on gas.
In Germany alone, the new Danfoss analysis of the German district heating networks shows that more than 30% of its district heating demand can be feasibly covered by existing industrial waste heat emitters.
In 2023, at least 3,100 TWh of waste heat globally went uncaptured; recovery could provide annual global savings of up to €140 billion (£119.2 billion).
Kristian Strand, President of Danfoss Climate Solutions, said: “As a society we are throwing away energy we have already paid for. Waste heat is one of the world’s biggest untapped energy sources, and reusing it is one of the fastest ways to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, energy security and resilience. We cannot afford to keep letting it go to waste.”
Danfoss say that data centres have huge potential to become reliable contributors of waste heat to energy systems. Since they typically operate continuously, data centres can serve as a constant source of waste heat.
Recovered heat from data centres or industrial production could be used as power for local needs, as when companies operate close together, they can rely on each other as both producers and consumers of waste heat.
Data centres often have the shortest payback periods due to their consistent availability of waste heat.
Kristian Strand added: “The technology is here. The opportunity is here. Now we need the energy system to catch up. Industry must make heat recovery standard practice, energy operators must make connections easier, and governments must remove the barriers that make electricity more expensive than gas for these investments.
“Get those pieces in place and waste heat stops being waste. It becomes a source of cheaper energy, greater resilience and stronger competitiveness.”
The Danfoss report calls on industry players to take action – industry, energy system operators, and governments.
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