Sustainability & Energy

Data centers play a crucial role in our digital society, but their energy and water consumption often raise questions. Behind the scenes, operators continuously work on innovations to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and transparently. Dutch data centers are among the most energy-efficient in the world, thanks to smart cooling, the reuse of residual heat, and an almost fully green electricity supply. At the same time, sustainability remains a challenge: growing digital demand requires a careful balance between reliability and efficiency.

Energy consumption of the digital infrastructure

Looking at the digital infrastructure sector as a whole, a large amount of energy is used in absolute terms. However, when viewed in relative terms, digital infrastructure accounts for only a limited share—0.65% of total energy consumption within the Dutch economy (Ecorys, 2023). Approximately two thirds of this energy use is attributable to data centers. Here, energy consumption includes not only electricity but also gas and other energy sources. Because data centers are fully electrified, this share is significantly lower when considering electricity consumption alone.

Energy use of digital infrastructure compared to the Dutch economy

100 %

Electricity consumption

When looking specifically at electricity consumption, this amounts to approximately 3.98% of total electricity use in the Netherlands (CBS, 2025). Of this, 99.9% consists of green energy, obtained through so-called power purchase agreements (DDA, 2025). According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity consumption by data centers is expected to have doubled by 2030 (IEA).

Total electricity consumption of Dutch data centers

Green Energy in Data Centers

Energy efficiency

The digital infrastructure (DI) sector is notably energy-efficient. With an energy intensity of 0.0011 PJ per million euros of value added, the sector uses relatively little energy to generate substantial economic value (Ecorys, 2023). By comparison, the chemical and basic metals industries have much higher energy intensity due to energy-intensive production processes. The services sector scores slightly lower than DI but typically uses less complex equipment. These figures show that, despite their absolute consumption, data centers make efficient use of energy.

Water usage

The most recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS, 2021) show that the total water use of the entire information and communication sector, of which data centers are part, is relatively low. The information and communication sector uses approximately 1 million m³ of water annually, which equals only 0.08% of total water use in the Netherlands (1,235.6 million m³).

By comparison, private households use 811.7 million m³ per year (about 66%) and industry uses 218.6 million m³ (17.7%). The share attributable to data centers is therefore limited.

AI Impact

The breakthrough of artificial intelligence has major implications for the data center sector. AI applications require significantly more computing power and specialized hardware, such as GPUs and AI chips. This leads to increased energy consumption, higher heat output, and greater demand for water- or air-based cooling.

At the same time, AI also creates opportunities. By deploying smart algorithms, data centers can optimize energy use, predict maintenance needs, and better align infrastructure with demand. In this way, AI becomes not only a driver of growth, but also a tool to make that growth manageable and responsible.

Datathermics (waste heat reuse):

Data centers generate a significant amount of heat as a by-product of the electrical processes in IT equipment. In the past, this residual heat could not be used, but with current technology it can be deployed to heat homes, offices, and other buildings. In the Netherlands, several data thermie initiatives are already in place, and their number continues to grow.

However, implementation is easier said than done. Successful data thermie projects require substantial investments and the presence of a suitable district heating network in the surrounding area.

One example is the project at Nikhef on the Amsterdam Science Park, where residual heat is used to heat 1,300 student housing units (Nikhef). Another example is the QTS data center in Groningen, which is connected to WarmteStad and provides around 10,000 homes with sustainable heat (QTS).

Sustainability & Energy

Energy consumption of the digital infrastructure

Energy use of digital infrastructure compared to the Dutch economy

Electricity consumption

Total electricity consumption of Dutch data centers

Green Energy in Data Centers

Energy efficiency

Water usage

AI Impact

Datathermics (waste heat reuse):

Further reading:

WHAT IS A DATA CENTER?

MYTHES EN FEITEN

DATACENTER FOTO'S

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed about the latest data center news!

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief