Most data centers refusing to say how much water, electricity they use
a day ago
- Most European data centers keep their environmental impact secret, refusing to disclose electricity and water usage.
- In the Netherlands, fewer than 25% of large data centers report their energy and water consumption despite EU regulations.
- A year-long investigation using freedom of information laws across Europe failed to obtain environmental data from data centers.
- The European Energy Efficiency Directive requires data centers over 500 kW to report usage, but compliance is low after three years.
- Dutch data centers used 5.1 billion kWh of electricity in 2024 (4.6% of national total), projected to reach 10-15% by 2030.
- Microsoft’s largest Dutch data center alone accounts for 1% of national electricity consumption, while Google does not disclose similar data.
- Data centers use an estimated 0.1% of Dutch water, but drought risks make conservation critical.
- Grid capacity shortages cause waiting lists for businesses and housing developments due to rising data center demand.