Japanese Data Center Tests Waste Heat-to-Power Technology

elleThermo and At Tokyo have successfully completed a demonstration project at two data centers in Tokyo, testing elleThermo’s Semiconductor-sensitized Thermal Cell (STC) technology. Designed to convert low-temperature waste heat (30–40°C) into electricity, this technology was installed in hot-aisle zones and mechanical rooms of the Chuo Center (CC1) and Chuo Center 2 (CC2). The project marked the first real-world confirmation of power generation capabilities at active data center sites, supporting goals for improved energy efficiency.

The successful trials indicate a significant shift in how data centers can utilize waste heat, moving towards more sustainable energy practices. As At Tokyo operates a total of 13 data centers across Japan, including the largest Chuo Center with a capacity of 70MW, this innovation could lower operational costs and environmental impact. Both companies now aim to further refine this technology, which aligns with global sustainability efforts and could influence future energy systems in data centers.