A Braintree, Essex couple named Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, have successfully reduced their monthly heating costs to just £40 by participating in a new energy scheme trial. They have replaced their gas boiler with a data center containing over 500 computer banks in their shed. This innovative system generates heat that is then transferred to the hot water system, significantly lowering their heating bills from £375 to a range of £40 to £70 per month. The Bridges had the data center installed in December 2024 after living in their bungalow for three years.
Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed relief at the financial burden being lifted, allowing them to comfortably heat their home. The couple’s decision to be early adopters of this technology has proven beneficial, especially for Lesley, who suffers from spinal stenosis and requires a warm environment. The HeatHub data center, developed by Thermify as part of UK Power Networks’ SHIELD initiative, has also included solar panels installation on their roof.
The compact size of the data center, equivalent to a chest freezer, made it a convenient choice for the Bridges, who opted to have it installed in their shed to avoid disrupting their living space. The innovative approach of utilizing excess heat from data centers for residential heating has not only improved the overall warmth of their home but also eliminated cold spots that were previously present.
Travis Theune, CEO of Thermify, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating fuel poverty in the UK by providing clean and affordable energy solutions. The successful trial at the Bridges’ home has demonstrated substantial carbon reductions and cost savings, paving the way for the expansion of this initiative to benefit more households. With plans to extend the project to 50 additional homes in the next phase, the aim is to scale up to 100,000 units annually by 2030.
The SHIELD project, supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, aims to ensure that vulnerable and low-income households can access and benefit from cutting-edge low-carbon technologies. As the UK progresses towards a more sustainable future, initiatives like these play a crucial role in ensuring inclusivity and environmental conservation.