Bet ya Trump will make this illegal: it makes too much sense

[pat_k]

41. Finland has a centralized network of underground pipes to distribute steam (geothermal)....

... that is seemingly better suited to adaptation to distribute waste heat from data centers

This type of "district heating" infrastructure is more common in countries that employ more geothermal energy. It is apparently a less common type of heating system here.

Perhaps it is time places in the U.S. that are in the most need of efficient heating start exploring such centralized options. Seems it would be feasible in many high-density areas (e.g., upgrades of old systems and implementation of new systems in high-density areas -- e.g., much of the corridor from Fairfield, CT, to NYC, to Hoboken, the Palisades, and Union City...)

Question (Yeah, I know, problematic construction):
"Where in the United States is the infrastructure for district heating through underground pipes, similar to what they have in Finland, used."

Answer from Gemini (take with whatever grains of salt you apply to any AI summary)

Yes, the United States has a long-standing history of district heating infrastructure, particularly in the form of downtown steam districts in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. While not as extensive as Finland's modern systems, these steam networks have been in operation since the late 19th century, heating numerous downtown buildings and campuses. Some of these systems have been updated from older steam-based technology, while new, more advanced systems are also being implemented in various locations, though they are not as common as in Europe.

New York City: Has one of the oldest and largest steam districts in the US, with underground pipes distributing steam to a large portion of Manhattan.

Boston and Philadelphia: Also have active steam districts in their downtown areas, using a system that heats buildings and campuses.

Downtown Dayton, Ohio: Historically had a large steam heating system that powered downtown buildings and industries, with some lines still in place today.

Newer systems: While less common than in Europe, modern district heating systems using hot water instead of steam are being implemented in various locations for new developments or upgrades to existing infrastructure. These systems can use a variety of energy sources, including geothermal, waste heat from data centers, and other renewable sources.