Data centers in Germany reportedly withhold energy and water usage data

Major data center operators in Germany are reportedly failing to disclose their electricity and water consumption levels, despite legal requirements under the German Energy Efficiency Act. An investigation involving more than 30 companies suggests that over half of the largest operators are not complying with these transparency mandates.

Market leaders, including Equinix, NTT, and CloudHQ, have reportedly declined to provide requested information, citing business secrets or security concerns. However, legal experts and sustainability advocates argue that these justifications do not align with current laws. Bernhard Wegener, a professor of public and European law, stated that the practice of hiding data is inconsistent with the Energy Efficiency Act.

The lack of transparency comes amid concerns regarding the environmental impact of the digital sector. Data centers currently account for nearly 4% of Germany's total electricity consumption. As the German government aims to double data center capacity by 2030, experts warn that the massive demand for resources, including water for cooling systems and electricity for AI processing, requires stricter oversight and public accountability.