Global electricity demand from data centres is rising at unprecedented speed, driven largely by artificial intelligence. Consumption could reach 950 TWh by 2030, more than double today’s levels, putting pressure on grids from Dublin to the Nordics. In some cities, data centres already dominate local electricity use.
Experts argue that governments must stop treating these facilities as simple real‑estate projects and instead manage them as critical national energy infrastructure. One of the biggest untapped opportunities is waste‑heat reuse: data centres release vast amounts of low‑temperature heat that could supply up to 12% of Europe’s residential heating needs, cutting fossil‑fuel use and improving grid stability.
The article calls for coordinated action, including integrating data centres into national energy planning, designing new facilities to be “heat‑ready,” rewarding clean‑energy performance, creating AI‑energy zones, and using blended public‑private finance to upgrade grids and district‑heating networks.
The core message: AI’s explosive growth could either strain electricity systems or strengthen them — depending on how quickly leaders adapt their energy policies.
Sourced from: “Can we turn data centre energy demand into a strategic asset?” (World Economic Forum)
Picture sourced from: Anders J on Unsplash
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Find out more about the future of building sustainably. Discover the latest in cement industry innovations, best practices, and decarbonization efforts at our upcoming events – join us to shape a greener world!
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Other events in 2026:
ESG and Sustainability International Summit and Industry 5.0 Conference and Exhibition – June 10-11, 2026; Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
A premier regional platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ESG strategies, and regulatory advancements in cement and construction. This event brings together thought leaders and corporate professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in sustainable finance, legal frameworks, and industry innovations.
We are also including panel discussions on Industry 5.0 to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.
The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress Europe, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
The EMEA edition of the Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress is poised to build om success stories of past events – the first edition was held in Casablanca, Morocco in April 2024 and the second edition was also held in Cairo earlier this year.
This is once again an opportunity to network with your peers and leaders in the industry, gain first-hand insights on regional trends, learn from industry experts about the latest market dynamics, regulatory changes and future outlook of cementitious materials in the region.
See link for the summary of the last edition – Cementitious Materials International TechTrade Congress – EMEA | Cairo, Egypt | June 3-4, 2025 (Overview here)
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026 to include Cementitious Europe – Congress, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
This premier global platform, CarbonZero brings together senior decision-makers to accelerate the transition to Net Zero in cement and construction. The conference will explore green alternatives—ranging from alternative fuels and raw materials to clinker substitutes-alongside emerging technologies, carbon capture, financing and investment strategies, policy developments, and industry standards. This C-level gathering convenes leaders from cement manufacturing, construction, technology, research, academia, and regulatory institutions—united in shaping actionable and sustainable solutions.
