Brussels to finally launch system to assess sustainability of EU data centers

The European Commission has proposed a series of measures, the Data Center Energy Efficiency Package. The measures involve a harmonized assessment system for data centers across the EU, as well as an electronic labeling system to simplify the comparison of the environmental performance of facilities. Another 12-week consultation involves introducing minimum productivity standards to phase out outdated technology.

This rating system is suitable for data centers with a capacity exceeding 500kW. Their electronic tags will be based on sustainability data – data center operators will need to provide information on electricity and water consumption, equipment’s “waste” heat use, “clean” energy and indicators of interaction with the grid. The first electronic markers will appear in 2027.

Brussels has long struggled to get the system ready for operation. Originally the European Commission if The rating system ranges from A to G, but the rollout was delayed after criticism from industry representatives. Moody’s warned that such assessments of lower-rated players could lead not only to reputational problems but also to more serious costs. For example, this may have an impact on the financing terms and financial requirements of the project.

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It was later reported that Brussels would relax some of the terms, but one of the most controversial was that green energy certificates must be purchased where the data center is located. Later, operators were allowed to purchase such certificates in other parts of the EU.

The package of measures adopted this time reflects the contradictions in EU data center policy. On the one hand, the authorities hope to improve artificial intelligence capabilities, and on the other hand, prevent the load on the power grid and water resources from growing significantly.

A representative of the European Commission said that tripling data center capacity does not mean a corresponding increase in pressure on energy networks, water resources or a similar increase in electricity bills. Energy-efficient data centers with an emphasis on operating on “clean” energy and utilizing waste heat should become key assets in the EU’s energy transition.

The new label may just be the first phase. The consultation on the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards will run until December 14; the bill is scheduled to be tabled in the second quarter of 2027. The European Commission has not yet decided which requirements will be included in the standard and which technologies can be excluded from the list required for assessment.

The huge costs of utilities are not unique to Europe. Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed seven bills aimed at tightening control over data centers. For example, it provides for the disclosure of information on data centers’ water and electricity consumption and determines who should pay for grid connections and general energy infrastructure. It was previously reported that the U.S. data center has been three times Water consumption and deterioration of conditions.

Although the approaches are different, the problems faced by the regions are almost the same. The authorities want to increase the number of data centres, grids and consumers, as well as structures that distribute water, which are already feeling the extra load.

However, European players now have some answers. They first need to demonstrate the environmental safety and efficiency of their data centers. What will happen to those who cannot provide at least minimum indicators is yet to be seen. In April, it was reported that very large enterprises Convinced The EU considers the environmental performance of data centers to be commercial secrets.

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