Borderstep analyses energy efficiency of data centres for the EU
For the first time, a comprehensive assessment of the energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU is available. This is based on data provided by operators as part of a new EU reporting obligation.
The Borderstep Institute, together with EY and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), prepared the First Technical Report on behalf of the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). The report is part of the Data Centre Energy Efficiency Assessment and Reporting (EUDCEAR) project.
Analysis of key figures
The study evaluates data centres using established key figures on energy consumption, resource use and environmental impact. Including Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), Renewable Energy Factor (REF) and Energy Reuse Factor (ERF).
Major differences between the locations
The results show: Only 36 percent of the data centres subject to reporting requirements in the EU took part in the first survey. There are considerable differences between the locations, which indicate great potential for efficiency improvements. The Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact is regarded as a positive industry benchmark, particularly in terms of water consumption.
Feedback from the industry highlights the need for clear guidelines, simpler reporting obligations and standardised definitions in order to improve the quality and completeness of the data.
Contribution to EU climate targets
Borderstep’s analysis supports the implementation of the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. These goals include greater energy efficiency, the increased use of renewable energies, the utilisation of waste heat and transparent reporting on energy consumption and environmental impact. A further technical report will follow and create the basis for an EU-wide energy efficiency label and possibly minimum standards.
Borderstep contributes expertise in workshops
Borderstep also moderated parts of the accompanying stakeholder workshops within the consortium. Over 300 participants attended some of these online. The insights gained there feed directly into the political recommendations for action to the EU Commission.
Current “Facts & Figures” on the study available
To accompany the publication of the first technical report of this study, Borderstep has produced an up-to-date Facts & Figures. The overview summarises the most important results, places them in a political and technical context and visualises key figures clearly in graphs and diagrams. This allows developments and differences between the data centres to be seen at a glance.
All contents and illustrations of the Borderstep Facts & Figures are available for free use, provided the source is cited. The contents of the study are licensed under CC BY 4.0).
Green Economy