EU launches digital energy system initiatives for data centres and AI grids

The EU policymakers and high-level industry representatives have launched two flagship initiatives to prepare the EU energy system for a more digitalised future.

The first initiative brings together data centre operators, the energy sector, and public authorities to support the sustainable integration of data centres into the EU energy system. In the presence of Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, 14 European associations signed a Declaration of Intent, while six companies signed a Declaration of Support indicating readiness to begin implementation.

The event also marked the launch of the AI.grids project, which will develop the EU sovereign AI models for energy grids. The project brings together 48 partners, including grid operators and research institutes, to improve grid management and planning.

Both initiatives coincide with the Commission’s Tech Sovereignty Package, published on the same day. The package includes a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the energy sector, aimed at preparing the future energy system and supporting the deployment of AI solutions across the energy value chain.

Why does it matter?

The initiatives show how AI infrastructure and energy policy are becoming increasingly interconnected. Data centres are expanding rapidly as demand for AI computing grows, while electricity grids need more advanced digital tools to manage decentralised generation, demand, and resilience. By linking data centre sustainability with the EU sovereign AI models for grid management, the Commission is treating digitalisation as both a pressure on the energy system and a tool for managing it.

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