Cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly important for Europe’s economy and competitiveness. To support this growth, the European Commission has proposed new legislation to facilitate the expansion of cloud, data centre and computing infrastructure across the EU.
However, the rapid growth of AI and data centres will place additional pressure on water resources. While research is still developing, it is clear that water impacts are highly localised and influenced by factors such as climate change, seasonal variations and differences between projected and actual water use.
EurEau welcomes the Commission’s recognition of these challenges but believes the proposal does not go far enough in making local water availability a key criteria when designating special acceleration zones for data centres.
As providers of critical infrastructure, water services must remain resilient as demand for water increases from emerging sectors and strategic industries. EurEau calls on the co-legislators to ensure that EU legislation supports technological innovation without putting public drinking water supplies and water security at risk.