Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

EU Introduces Data Center Ratings for Energy, Water Efficiency


(MENAFN) The European Commission has proposed a unified rating system for data centers to provide clearer information about their consumption of electricity and water while encouraging closer integration with Europe’s energy infrastructure.

The proposed ratings would cover individual data centers with capacities exceeding 500 kilowatts, according to the Commission.

Under the framework, facilities would also be evaluated on measures such as recovering and reusing excess heat generated by their equipment, expanding access to clean energy and modifying electricity consumption when necessary to reduce pressure on power networks.

The Commission said data centers that operate more efficiently and have the ability to adjust when they consume electricity could contribute to lower overall power-system costs. Such flexibility could also support grid stability and facilitate the wider adoption of renewable energy.

The initiative comes as the EU plans to significantly expand its data center infrastructure over the next five to seven years in response to rising demand for computing capacity. The bloc also aims to strengthen its technological independence and reduce dependence on external suppliers.

However, the planned expansion could create additional pressure on electricity and water supplies while contributing to higher carbon emissions, the Commission cautioned.

The EU estimates that recovering and reusing approximately half of the heat currently produced by data centers across Europe could provide enough heating to serve around four million households.

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