EFCA launches paper on AI and energy efficiency

EFCA says that the paper addresses the urgent energy demands resulting from the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies while offering recommendations for achieving a balance between disruptive innovation and sustainability.

The paper emphasises several key challenges, including the embodied carbon footprint of new technologies, the strain on urban energy grids, and the environmental effects of data centres. It advocates for smarter planning and collaboration between policymakers and industry, as well as practical solutions like energy-efficient data centers and enhanced server utilization.

Director general at EFCA, Sue Arundale, says, “AI and digital technologies are showing immense potential, but their rapid adoption must not exacerbate the climate emergency. This paper focuses on energy efficiency measures that do not threaten innovation. It also highlights the unsustainable increase in water use, which must be tackled with the same urgency.”

The recommendations align with existing European policies, including the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU/2023/1791), the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364 on reporting requirements for data centres, and the European Green Deal.

To read the paper, click here.