EU data center energy and water use kept secret due to industry-backed confidentiality clause, investigation finds
An investigation reveals that a confidentiality clause inserted into an EU regulation after industry lobbying allows data center operators to keep site-level energy and water usage data out of public view, with many operators not reporting at all. This comes as Brussels prepares to unveil a tech sovereignty package, highlighting a disconnect between policy ambition and actual oversight in Europe's expanding digital infrastructure.
Key quotes
A recent investigation by Investigate Europe, published with partners including Tech Policy Press, shows that a confidentiality clause inserted into an EU regulation after industry lobbying allows companies to keep site-level data center energy and water use out of public view
many operators are not reporting at all
The finding highlights a disconnect between policy ambition and oversight
From the article
You might also wanna read
Tech Industry Lobbying Secures Secrecy for Data Center Environmental Impact Data in EU Law
Microsoft and DigitalEurope, a lobby group representing major tech companies including Amazon, Google, and Meta, successfully pushed for a s
investigate-europe.eu·2mo ago
EU reportedly weakening datacenter emissions rules after tech industry lobbying
The European Union's proposed environmental rating system for datacenters may be weakened after lobbying from IT industry heavyweights. Acco
theregister.com·5d agoEU reportedly weakening datacenter emissions rules after tech industry lobbying
The European Union's proposed environmental rating system for datacenters may be weakened after lobbying from IT industry heavyweights. Acco
theregister.com·5d ago
Leaked Document Shows Amazon Strategized to Conceal Data Center Water Usage
A leaked internal document reveals that Amazon strategized about concealing the true extent of its data centers' water usage from the public
source-material.org·8mo ago
The Transparency Problem Behind AI Data Center Construction
The article investigates the lack of transparency surrounding AI data center construction in local communities. The author, who has a histor
thebrockovichreport.com·1mo agoThe Transparency Problem Behind AI Data Center Construction
The article investigates the lack of transparency surrounding AI data center construction in local communities. The author, who has a histor
thebrockovichreport.com·1mo ago
Data centers can guzzle serious water. As some Nebraskans worry, tech giants seek solutions.
Data centers can guzzle serious water. As some Nebraskans worry, tech giants seek solutions.
Bipartisan Senators Push for Mandatory Energy-Use Reporting from Data Centers
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley are urging the Energy Information Administration to establish mandatory annual energy-use reportin
The Verge·3mo ago
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.