EU proposes common energy rating scheme for data centres
The bloc is seeking to mitigate the impact of the energy consumption necessary to its goal of tripling data centre capacity over the next five to seven years. Read more: EU proposes common energy rating scheme for data centres
The European Union is planning to introduce a common energy rating system for data centres with a capacity over 500kW. This move aims to tackle the growing energy consumption of data centres as the EU aims to triple its capacity in the next five to seven years, in line with its digital and AI sovereignty goals. Data centres in the EU are expected to consume 114TWh annually by 2022, accounting for 3% of the bloc's overall electricity demand.
The new scheme will also address the impact of data centres on power grids, water usage, and carbon emissions, encouraging sustainable integration into the European energy system. The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on minimum performance standards for data centres operating in Europe, set to run until 14 December.
The proposal for the common rating scheme will be scrutinized by the European Parliament and the European Council before entering into force. The first sustainability labels for individual data centres are anticipated to be displayed in 2027.
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