UE Data Centers Required to Disclose Water, Energy Use in New Bid
The EU has proposed new rules requiring data center operators to disclose energy and water use.
The European Union's executive body, the European Commission, has introduced new rules mandating data center operators to disclose energy and water consumption through a standardized rating system across all member states. According to Engadget, these rules will apply to data centers with a capacity exceeding 500 kilowatts (kW).
The EU aims to reduce the environmental impact of the expanding data center industry in the region, targeting a threefold increase in capacity over the next seven years to bolster digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on US tech firms. However, this growth in data center capacity is anticipated to strain power grids and water resources, potentially raising carbon emissions.
Data centers in the EU currently consume approximately 68 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, with projections rising to 114 TWh by 2030, driven by the computational demands of artificial intelligence (AI) development. This consumption equates to about three percent of the European Union's total electricity usage. The European Commission emphasized that data centers must adopt energy and water efficiency measures and integrate sustainability practices to mitigate their impact on natural resources.
While operators are not initially required to disclose total electricity consumption or impose limits on electricity and water use, they must report on the effect of their water usage on local water scarcity. Additionally, they must disclose whether their facilities contribute to the local energy ecosystem, such as by utilizing waste heat from the centers.
The EU also intends to establish minimum performance standards for data centers throughout the region, akin to energy efficiency labels for electronic devices and vehicles. The Commission has initiated a two-month consultation period with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to review the proposed rules and solicit feedback.
Upon completion of this process, data centers in the European Union are projected to commence publishing sustainable energy labels next year.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
