European Commission Proposes Common Rating Scheme for Data Centres

The European Commission proposed a common rating scheme for data centres on 21 September 2026, aimed at increasing transparency on their energy and water use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe's energy system. The EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years, but this growth could put extra pressure on electricity grids, water use and carbon emissions. The rating scheme will ensure transparent information about data centres' actual resource use.