A new report by Grundfos highlights the growing pressures Europe faces from the rapid expansion of datacenters across the continent.Currently, server farms consume around 10 GW of power, expected to jump to 35 GW by 2030, representing 7-9% of total electricity usage.

Beyond electricity, datacenters rely heavily on water for cooling, with large facilities potentially using up to 18,927 cubic meters daily, enough to supply tens of thousands of households.The report warns that unregulated growth could strain both energy grids and water resources, while also provoking public opposition.

Grundfos recommends that European regulators incorporate water efficiency and cooling design standards into planning approvals and provide incentives like tax credits, green financing, and grants to encourage adoption of efficient technologies.Integration with district heating systems is also suggested as a method to enhance efficiency.

Experts note that without careful planning, inefficient or poorly sited datacenters may exacerbate existing infrastructure and environmental pressures.

The report underscores the importance of balancing technological growth with sustainable resource management to prevent future shortages and disruptions.