On 21 September 2026, the European Commission introduced a new EU-wide rating scheme for data centres aimed at improving transparency regarding energy and water consumption and supporting the sustainable integration of data centres into Europe’s energy system. The proposed delegated regulation establishing the scheme is available at the following link.

Data centres are essential for Europe’s digital future but are also among the fastest-growing energy consumers. According to current projections, they could account for more than 3% of total EU electricity demand by 2030. The EU therefore aims to ensure that the expansion of digital infrastructure remains consistent with its energy and climate objectives.

The new scheme will apply to individual data centres with a capacity above 500 kW. It will provide information on actual energy and water consumption, the use of renewable energy, waste heat recovery and the facility’s contribution to grid flexibility. This should make it easier to compare facilities and encourage investment in more efficient and sustainable designs.

The Commission also highlighted that reusing around half of the waste heat generated by European data centres could cover the heating needs of approximately four million households. Better integration of data centres into the energy system could therefore contribute to emissions reductions, improved grid stability and greater use of renewable energy sources.

The proposal is now subject to a two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The first sustainability labels for individual data centres are expected to be introduced in 2027, while the Commission has also launched a public consultation on future minimum performance standards for data centres operating in Europe.