Today, ENTSO-E publishes the report “Data centres and the power system: expected trends, challenges and opportunities”. The report provides a transmission system operator perspective on the interaction between data centres and the power system. It examines how data centres consume electricity, what this means for secure grid operation, and how connection requirements are evolving in response.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital services is transforming the role of data centres within the European power system. Reinforced by the forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act and the Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI –both part of the European Commission’s Tech Sovereignty Package, expected at the end of May 2026 – data centres are becoming an important component of Europe’s digital economy.
As their scale and electricity demand expand, data centres are evolving into systemically relevant electricity users whose behaviour increasingly influences power system operation.
The study analyses the implications for grid planning and identifies possible solutions to address these challenges. Lastly, it highlights the flexibility potential of data centres and explores how this could be harnessed as an opportunity for grid support and market participation.
Read the report here.