EU Unveils Rating Scheme to Track Data-Centre Energy and Water Use

On September 21, 2026, the European Commission presented a delegated regulation that would require data-centres with a capacity of 500 kW or more to disclose energy- and water-efficiency metrics through an EU-designed label. The scheme does not impose absolute consumption limits, but it makes efficiency data publicly available and links facilities to grid services such as waste-heat reuse.

Reuters

The EU plans to triple its data-centre capacity within the next five to seven years to support artificial-intelligence development and reduce reliance on non-European cloud providers. Data-centres already account for about 2.5 % of EU electricity consumption. The International Energy Agency projects the sector will consume more than 3 % of total EU electricity by 2030. Existing reporting obligations under the Energy Efficiency Directive are being expanded with this rating system to increase transparency and promote sustainable integration into the energy system.

Making data centres energy efficient thanks to a new EU rating system RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)Minimum performance standards for data centres in Europe - public consultation launched Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU ReutersEU proposes energy, water rating scheme for data centres EU proposes energy and water efficiency labels for data centres

• Capacity growth: from 12 GW last year to an expected 28 GW by 2030.

The EU will create a green label for data centers

• Electricity use: 68 TWh in 2024; forecast 114 TWh in 2030 (IEA).

The EU will create a green label for data centers

• Share of demand: >3 % of EU electricity by 2030.

The EU will create a green label for data centers

• Waste-heat potential: recapturing roughly half of total waste heat could meet the heating needs of four million households.

The Next Web (TNW)

• Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president for clean, just and competitive transition, said the rating will help ensure that expanding capacity does not increase pressure on grids, water supplies or energy bills.

EU proposes energy, water rating scheme for data centres

• Dan Jørgensen, EU energy commissioner, emphasized that understanding resource consumption is necessary for the bloc’s digital transformation and energy-transition goals.

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

• The Commission launched a 12-week public consultation on minimum performance standards, open until December 14, 2026, inviting input from member states, industry and civil society.

EU proposes rating scheme for data centers’ energy and water use

• “Tripling our data center capacity cannot mean tripling the pressure on our grids, our water and our energy bills,” — Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s executive vice-president for clean, just and competitive transition

The Next Web (TNW)

• “Tripling our data centre capacity cannot mean tripling the pressure on our grids, our water and our energy bills,” — European Commission

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

• The delegated regulation now enters a two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council; they may object but cannot amend the text.

The EU will create a green label for data centers

• The first sustainability labels are expected to appear on individual data-centres in 2027.

Making data centres energy efficient thanks to a new EU rating system

• A review of the scheme’s effectiveness is scheduled for the end of 2028.

The Next Web (TNW)

• The public consultation on minimum performance standards closes on December 14, 2026, after which the Commission will draft the legislative proposal anticipated for the second quarter of 2027.

EU proposes rating scheme for data centers’ energy and water use