A recent article published by Domani has sparked discussion around the proposal put forward by the European Commission to introduce an energy performance rating system for data centers, highlighting several concerns that could put Southern European countries, including Italy, at a disadvantage.
The proposal from Brussels aims to support the growth of Europe’s computing capacity, with the goal of tripling it by 2030, through the introduction of a classification framework based on energy efficiency indicators. However, as highlighted in the article, the current model would apply the same assessment criteria to facilities operating in significantly different climatic conditions across Europe.
As noted by IDA – Italian Datacenter Association, a one-size-fits-all approach risks overlooking the environmental differences that characterize European regions. Cooling requirements for a data center located in the Mediterranean area are naturally different from those of facilities operating in Northern Europe, with a direct impact on the energy efficiency metrics used for classification.
According to the Association, a framework that fails to account for these differences could create market distortions, influencing investment decisions and disadvantaging countries actively working to attract strategic digital infrastructure projects. Italy, in particular, is strengthening its position as a digital hub in the Mediterranean, promoting a balanced distribution of investments across the country and contributing to the expansion of Europe’s computing capacity.
IDA therefore reiterates the importance of adopting assessment criteria that reflect the real operating conditions of data centers and ensure a level playing field for all Member States. A balanced regulatory framework can support the European Union’s sustainability objectives while safeguarding the development of the digital infrastructure required for economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness across the continent.
Read the full article: https://www.editorialedomani.it/fatti/data-center-ue-europa-proposta-ue-valutazione-penalizza-italia-va60cgxy
