National lab study finds underground thermal storage cuts data center cooling costs

Researchers found that underground thermal energy storage systems can reduce computing facility cooling energy consumption by up to 40% annually while lowering water use and operating costs year-round.

First covered Aug 11, 2026 · 6:05 PM PT · 1 article

National lab study finds underground thermal storage cuts data center cooling costs — Image via cleantechnica.com

Coverage

4h CleanTechnica Computing Facilities Can Save Big and Keep Cool by Looking Underground — A New National Laboratory Study Finds that Underground Thermal Energy Storage Can Keep Servers Cool Year Round To ensure equipment in computing facilities…

Primary sources

docs.nlr.gov 100780 (docs.nlr.gov)

nlr.gov Computing Facilities Can Save Big and Keep Cool by Looking Underground | NLR

More coverage from around the web

research-hub.nrel.gov Reducing Data Center Peak Cooling Demand and Energy Costs with Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) - National Renewable Energy Laboratory

climate.uchicago.edu Reducing Data Center Peak Cooling Demand and Energy Costs With Underground Thermal Energy Storage - The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth

nrel.gov Reducing Data Center Peak Cooling Demand and Energy Costs With Underground Thermal Energy Storage | Grid Modernization | NREL

nlr.gov Reducing Data Center Peak Cooling Demand and Energy Costs With Underground Thermal Energy Storage | NLR

publicpower.org Project Eyes Reducing Data Center Peak Cooling Demand, Energy Costs With Underground Thermal Energy Storage | American Public Power Association

Appeared in: 2026-08-12 (#3)

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