The European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) has signed a Declaration of Intent with the European Commission, Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, and organisations from across the energy sector, to support the sustainable integration of data centers into Europe’s energy system.
The declaration calls for closer cooperation between data centers, grid operators and public authorities, alongside reliable decarbonised electricity systems and a stable investment framework intended to support both sustainability and competitiveness.
According to a press release, the agreement reflects EUDCA’s long-standing position that expanding Europe’s digital infrastructure and reducing its environmental impact are complementary objectives. The association has argued that meeting growing demand driven by digitalisation and AI will require stronger electricity networks, faster permitting processes and improved access to low-carbon power.
Michael Winterson, Secretary General, European Data Centre Association, “We reaffirm our commitment to sustainability, irrespective of technological developments or changing demands. A liveable, equitable and sustainable future remains our utmost goal.”
As a co-founder of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, EUDCA has supported industry commitments to achieve climate-neutral data centers by 2030 through improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy use, water conservation, circular economy practices and waste heat reuse.
Since its establishment in 2012, EUDCA has represented the European data center sector, working with industry and policymakers on the development of digital infrastructure with focus on supporting a competitive European digital economy while promoting climate-neutral, grid-integrated data centers.