EU pushes digitalization of the European energy system
The EU Commission wants to make greater use of digitalization, artificial intelligence and smart grids for the energy transition and is presenting a comprehensive roadmap for this up to 2030
05.06.2026
Source: E & M powernews
The EU Commission has presented a "Strategic Roadmap for Digitalization and AI in the Energy Sector".
The EU Commission has presented a "European Technological Sovereignty Package". It aims to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty. It also includes a "Strategic Roadmap for Digitalization and AI in the Energy Sector".
The roadmap aims to drive forward the digitalization of the European energy system while ensuring sustainable development, according to the EU Commission's paper. Digitalization is seen as an important building block for competitiveness, security of supply and the integration of renewable energies.
One focus of the "Strategic Roadmap for Digitalization and AI in the Energy Sector", as it is officially titled, is on the growing importance of data centers. According to the Commission's estimates, the installed capacity of data centers in the European Union is set to increase from around 12 GW in 2025 to around 28 GW by 2030. The associated additional demand for electricity poses new challenges for grid operators and energy suppliers.
EU-wide rating system for data centers
In order to facilitate the integration of data centers into the energy system, the Commission wants to better coordinate grid connections, make greater use of flexibility potential and promote the conclusion of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). In addition, energy efficiency, waste heat utilization and water consumption are to be given greater focus.
Plans include a model agreement between data center operators, energy companies and authorities as well as an EU-wide rating system for data centers. This is to take into account criteria such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, use of renewable energies, waste heat utilization and flexibility.
Accelerating the rollout of smart meters in all member states
In the area of electricity grids, the Commission is focusing on the increased use of smart grids, digital grid technologies and intelligent metering systems. A legislative proposal is to be presented in 2026 to accelerate the rollout of smart meters in all member states. In addition, the Commission is planning to introduce key figures for smart grids and promote so-called digital twins for grid planning and operation.
The use of AI along the entire energy industry value chain also plays a key role. European AI models are planned for grid planning, load and generation forecasting, congestion management and applications in the areas of renewable energies, storage and buildings. The first operational applications should be available by the end of 2027. In addition, AI-supported approval portals should help to speed up procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid expansion projects.
Cross-border exchange of energy data
The roadmap also provides for a European framework for the cross-border exchange of energy data. The aim is to create uniform standards and interoperable data spaces to facilitate smart energy services and the development of AI applications. The Commission estimates that digital solutions could open up around 230 GW of additional flexibility in the energy system by 2030.
At the same time, cyber security and the resilience of critical energy infrastructures are to be strengthened. The focus here is particularly on risks from networked systems, inverters and AI applications. Plans include risk analyses, regulatory test environments for AI applications and additional measures to protect critical energy infrastructure.
To implement the strategy, the Commission wants to establish an annual "Energy Digitalization Forum", develop new indicators to measure the progress of digitalization and launch an initiative to improve the European energy database.
The proposals in the energy sector are part of the broader "European Technological Sovereignty Package". This also includes two legislative proposals - the Chip Regulation 2.0 and the Regulation on Cloud and AI Development - as well as a new open source strategy.
Before the measures can enter into force, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union must discuss and adopt the legislative proposals.
The "Strategic Roadmap for Digitalization and AI in the Energy Sector" is available for download on the European Commission's website.
Author: Stefan Sagmeister