The European Union’s climate ambitions are currently being put to a severe test by the development of artificial intelligence. Data centres require a constant power supply and rely on energy sources that are considered harmful by European standards. Therefore, according to industry lobbyists, continued adherence to strict environmental policies could hinder Europe’s technological progress and hand its innovative sovereignty over to China.
This is reported by Politico, citing the views of Lex Kurs, president of the European Data Centre Association. The association represents both local companies and major corporations, including Microsoft, Google and Amazon.
According to him, Europe’s energy system is currently unable to support the operation of AI infrastructure. This would require a return to gas-fired power stations, alongside the construction of new ones.
Contradictions in the plans
The European Union has an ambitious plan to triple the capacity of local data centres by as early as 2032. This is part of the European Commission’s ‘AI Continent’ concept.
However, the bloc’s energy development is insufficient to achieve this. Plans to expand the grid, roll out renewable energy sources and build the latest nuclear reactors are progressing too slowly for AI. Lex Kurs is therefore calling on the EU authorities to at least begin a discussion on restoring the role of gas-fired power, even if only temporarily.
The EU seeks control, AI makes adjustments
There are currently about 3,000 data centers located in Europe. Only North America surpasses it in number. The most infrastructure is found in Germany, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. However, the north is becoming an increasingly promising direction due to the high share of renewables and a cooler climate.
However, in terms of large-scale infrastructure and computing power, Europe significantly lags behind the USA and China.
The EU wants to stimulate the development of AI centers, but on its own terms. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen noted that these must support the “green” transition, be energy efficient, and utilize heat recovery.
“The idea that the EU’s too-slow progress on climate ought to be sacrificed by burning more gas for the profits of tech bros is absurd,” commented European Greenpeace.
The USA’s path
The United States is already showing the kinds of energy changes that may await Europe if it chooses a technology-first approach. There, the construction of data centers has sharply increased demand for new gas installations.
In 2025, global orders for gas-fired power plants reached a 25-year high. This was mainly driven by their renewed popularity in the United States.
“The risk is that by insisting that only sustainable energy sources power data centers, Europe will lose time while competitors move ahead. At that point, there is only one winner: China,” said Lex Coors.
The artificial intelligence sector is gradually becoming one of the most resource-intensive. EcoPolitics reported that, according to forecasts, by 2027 its infrastructure will require between 4.2 and 6.6 billion cubic meters of water annually.
