Europe Wants Its Own AI. The Power Grid Has Other Plans

Europe would like to create more infrastructure for AI. And it is clear why: artificial intelligence requires huge quantities of electrical energy, which the power grids of Europe are already struggling with.

The European data centres’ electricity consumption might grow from 96 TWh in 2024 to 236 TWh in 2035. This will be the same amount of electricity consumed annually by a country of medium size in Europe.

At the same time, the EU forecasts the expansion of data centre capacity up to 28 GW by 2030, compared to 12 GW expected in 2025. According to the European Commission, it can exacerbate the problem of grid congestion and energy price increase if the process is not controlled well enough.

New technology could help, but it cannot solve everything

European companies are already looking for ways to make data centres less demanding. While some are using sensors and computer modeling to fine-tune their cooling systems, others are employing batteries for shifting electricity consumption off peak hours. Submer is among the businesses that have taken the step further by employing liquid cooling to lower the energy requirement to cool the servers.

One particularly innovative approach involves making use of the waste heat. The British company Deep Green has found a way to do so by placing their computing facilities next to such establishments as swimming pools.

Our View

In Europe’s artificial intelligence (AI) race, there would be a strong element of an energy battle as well. While AI services can lead to better and innovative products, they are likely to put pressure on existing infrastructure that caters to consumers and businesses.

However, it won’t be a problem that technology can solve on its own. Europe will require intelligent data centers, robust grid networks, and increased power generation capabilities.

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