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 | July 2026

Legal Developments Regarding the Use of Waste Heat from Data Centers

Legal Overview Paper.
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Abstract

This overview paper examines the legal framework governing the use of data center waste heat. It considers the provisions of the Energy Efficiency Act regarding waste heat utilization as well as potential rights of access to district heating networks. In addition, the paper analyzes the classification of unavoidable waste heat under the Building Energy Act and the Heat Planning Act, as well as its significance within the system of certificates of origin. It also outlines upcoming changes that will be significant for the future application of the law.

Related projects

ERIKA

In the ERIKA research project, IKEM is investigating the legal framework for the use of waste heat from data centers.

More information

IKEM-Author(s)

Eschweiler

Jana Eschweiler

jana.eschweiler@ikem.de
+49 (0)30 408 1870-27
Rosa von der Stein

Rosa von der Stein

rosa.stein@ikem.de
+49 30 408 1870-55

Further information

Suggested citation:
by von der Stein, Rosa/Eschweiler, Jana: Legal Developments Regarding the Use of Waste Heat from Data Centers. Legal Overview Paper. 2026.
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