Monday 28 September 2026
The European Commission has proposed a common rating scheme for data centres aimed at increasing transparency on their energy use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe's energy system.
Data centres are essential to Europe's digital future. Increasing computing capacity in Europe is important for strengthening Europe's technological independence and digital sovereignty. This is why the EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years.
Extra pressure on electricity grids
Still, this growth brings challenges which need to be addressed. In addition to using more energy, an increase of data centres could put extra pressure on electricity grids and the use of natural resources, such as water, and contribute to increase carbon emissions. To limit these impacts, it is essential that data centres are highly energy- and water-efficient and sustainably integrated in the energy system.
With the common rating scheme proposed today, the Commission will help ensure that there is transparent information about the actual use of resources (energy, water) by data centres. The rating scheme will cover individual data centres with a capacity above 500kW. It will also cover data centres' contribution to the grid, such as the reuse of waste heat, the addition of clean energy generation capacities as well as flexibility.
A striking example: reusing about half of all waste heat from European data centres is the equivalent of the total heating demand of four million households in Europe. Sustainable, flexible and well-designed data centres that can adjust their electricity use to the grids conditions, can help lower the overall cost of the electricity system, improve grid stability, and integrate more renewable energy.
To create lead markets for sustainable digital assets and services across Europe and further support the integration of sustainable data centres in the energy system, the commission has launched a call for evidence and public consultation on minimum performance standards for data centres operating in Europe.
Next steps
The Delegated Regulation establishing the common rating scheme is now subject to two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the council before entering into force. The co-legislators have the right to object to the delegated act adopted by the Commission (eg question the delegated power or the process), yet they cannot propose changes to the text.
The first sustainability labels for individual data centres are expected to be displayed in 2027. A first review of the scheme is foreseen by end-2028 to assess its effectiveness and possible improvements, if necessary. Further work is also ongoing for the sustainable integration of data centres in the energy system.
The commission is following up to the Declaration of intent signed in June 2026 working with data centres operators, grid operators, energy providers and public authorities towards a tripartite agreement on data centres in the second half of the year.
The consultation on the minimum energy performance standards for data centres closes on December 14, 2026. The commission will continue to consult with member states, industry and civil society to ensure a robust and inclusive policy framework.