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.
Impact and considerations
The proposal is part of the EU's digital sovereignty strategy and could affect energy compliance and costs for data centres operating in Europe, with operational and compliance implications for businesses relying on European data centres.
Key points
- The European Commission proposed a common rating scheme for data centres to increase transparency on energy and water use.
- The EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years to strengthen technological independence and digital sovereignty.
- Data centre growth could put extra pressure on electricity grids, increase water use and carbon emissions.
- The rating scheme aims to ensure transparent information about data centres' actual resource use and support their sustainable integration into the energy system.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 21 Sept 2026, 18:02
- Page published
- 21 Sept 2026, 18:36
- Last updated
- 21 Sept 2026, 18:02
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Daily News 21 / 09 / 2026 (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 21 Sept 2026, 18:02