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EU Moves to Rate Data Centers on Energy and Water Efficiency as AI Infrastructure Expands
The European Union is introducing a common sustainability rating system for large data centers as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence increases pressure on electricity grids and water resources. Data centers with more than 500 kW of installed IT capacity will receive A-to-G ratings for energy and water efficiency, while labels will also disclose information on low-carbon electricity, waste-heat recovery and grid flexibility. The first sustainability labels are expected in 2027. Separately, the European Commission has begun developing binding minimum performance standards, with a legislative proposal planned for the second quarter of 2027.
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All articlesEU Moves to Rate Data Centers on Energy and Water Efficiency as AI Infrastructure Expands
The European Union is introducing a common sustainability rating system for large data centers as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence increases pressure on electricity grids and water resources. Data centers with more than 500 kW of installed IT capacity will receive A-to-G ratings for energy and water efficiency, while labels will also disclose information on low-carbon electricity, waste-heat recovery and grid flexibility. The first sustainability labels are expected in 2027. Separately, the European Commission has begun developing binding minimum performance standards, with a legislative proposal planned for the second quarter of 2027.
US Commits $1.9 Billion to Grid Upgrades as AI Power Demand Forces a Rethink of Transmission Expansion
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected 31 grid modernization projects across 26 states for $1.9 billion in federal support, bringing total planned investment to $5.25 billion when recipient funding is included. The projects are expected to rebuild or reconductor more than 1,500 miles of transmission lines and deploy grid-enhancing technologies across nearly 21,000 miles. Together, DOE expects the upgrades to unlock more than 23 GW of additional transmission capacity. With electricity demand accelerating due to AI data centers and advanced manufacturing, the initiative highlights a broader shift from simply building new transmission corridors toward extracting more capacity from infrastructure already in place.
Taiwan’s ProPower Eyes Poland as European Battery Storage Market Accelerates
Taiwanese energy storage integrator ProPower is evaluating Poland as a potential gateway into the European market as the country rapidly expands battery energy storage capacity. Poland's transition away from coal, growing renewable generation and increasing need for grid flexibility are creating a substantial pipeline of BESS projects. Industry forecasts suggest utility-scale battery capacity could reach 8–9 GW by 2030. However, constrained grid connections and a shift away from capacity-market-backed revenues mean new entrants will need more than battery hardware to succeed.
More Plugs or More Power? EV Charging Networks Rethink the Economics of Fast-Charging Stations
The EV charging industry has spent years racing toward higher peak charging speeds, but new operational data suggests that bigger power numbers may not always produce better charging networks. An analysis by Finnish charging technology company Kempower found that the number of available charging plugs had a much stronger relationship with station utilization than total installed power. The findings highlight a growing shift toward dynamic power sharing, where operators install more charging points and distribute available grid capacity according to real-time vehicle demand.
Experts Urge Kerbside EV Chargers Be Planned Like Traffic Lights to Eliminate Charging Black Spots
An Australian study argues that kerbside electric vehicle chargers should be planned like traffic lights, with local governments and communities leading deployment to prevent black spots caused by top-down utility-driven approaches. Eastern Sydney’s three councils have built Australia’s largest public charging network, but lengthy approval processes and enforcement challenges remain unresolved.
Schneider Electric Launches Smart Home EV Charger with Built-In Dynamic Load Balancing at Competitive Price
On September 2, Schneider Electric introduced the Schneider Charge, a smart Level 2 home EV charger with built-in dynamic load balancing in the U.S. and Canada. Priced at $695, it undercuts the Tesla Wall Connector while offering enhanced functionality for homes with limited electrical capacity.
Santa Monica Builds One of the Largest Electric Bus Charging Networks in the U.S., Targeting Full Zero-Emission Fleet by 2032
Santa Monica has invested $56 million to deploy 130 DC fast charging ports in partnership with ChargePoint and Eaton, aiming to achieve a fully electric bus fleet by 2032 and establish one of the largest electric bus charging infrastructures in the U.S.
San Francisco Launches Curbside Charging Program to Add 100 Chargers by 2030
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority has announced the Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Permit program, aiming to install 100 public curbside chargers by 2030. The initiative prioritizes residents without private parking, though the limited number may not meet citywide demand.