What happened
The European Commission has started a consultation on possible minimum performance rules for data centres operating across Europe. It is also considering a shared rating framework for individual facilities with capacity exceeding 500 kW.
The proposed approach centres on clearer reporting of energy and water consumption. The Commission is additionally examining whether ratings should reflect a site’s grid connection, its capacity to offer flexibility, and arrangements to reuse heat or energy.
For operators, the immediate next step is to review the consultation and consider submitting evidence before the 14 December 2026 deadline.
Why it matters
If adopted, the framework could introduce reporting and performance expectations for larger EU data centres. Including flexibility and reuse in an assessment would extend the focus beyond operational resource consumption.
The issue is significant because data centres are forecast to represent more than 3% of EU electricity demand by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency, as reported by edie.
What happens next
The consultation lasts two months and ends on 14 December 2026. Initial labels are expected to be issued and displayed in 2027, followed by a review of the framework in 2028.
