EU Introduces Energy Use Rules for Data Centers Amid Growing Pressure

The European Commission has introduced new rules aimed at increasing transparency around energy use by data centers across the EU. The common rating scheme will require data centers over 500 kW to disclose their water and energy use, as well as clean energy capabilities and other grid contributions.

The goal of the scheme is to ensure that data center growth does not come at the expense of the environment. As part of its commitment to strengthening technological independence, the EU aims to make data centers more sustainable. According to Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, 'Tripling our data centre capacity cannot mean tripling the pressure on our grids, our water and our energy bills.' The first sustainability labels are expected to enter into force in 2027.

In other news, Mombak, a Brazilian carbon removal startup, has partnered with Salesforce on a multi-year agreement. This partnership joins several major technology companies that have already invested in carbon credits through Mombak. Additionally, the African Development Bank Group has allocated $20 million in grant funding for four green hydrogen/derivatives projects across Africa.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Crédit Agricole have also committed €600 million to support the European energy grid. The EIB's €1.5 billion energy grids envelope is aimed at developing, modernizing, and reinforcing Europe's grids. This agreement falls under the European Union's InvestEU programme.