Data centres and AI: impact on the Brussels energy system

Key figures

• 3.2 TWh: electricity consumption of Belgian data centres in 2023, representing 4% of national electricity and twice the European average
• 7 to 15.5 TWh: projected consumption by 2035 (BCG, low and high scenarios), equivalent to 5 to more than 10% of national consumption
• 4.6 TWh: annual electricity consumption of the Brussels-Capital Region (reference point)
• 32 MW: target capacity of KevlinX BRU01, the first large data centre in the Brussels-Capital Region (operational since January 2026)
• x9: multiplication of data centre grid connection requests submitted to Elia since 2022
• 6 data centres in the Brussels Region and 12 in the periphery (RTBF, August 2026): BRU01 is the largest, not the only one
• ~4%: share of the global digital sector in greenhouse-gas emissions (risk +60% by 2050) — against which the Region is developing a responsible-digital policy (Paradigm)

Coverage in the Regional Policy Declaration (DPR)

The Regional Policy Declaration (DPR) of 13 February 2026 contains no specific reference to data centres. The digital transition and the energy-climate strategy are addressed separately, with no mention of the growing energy impact of the digital sector.

At the federal level, the Elia network development plan 2028–2038 will explicitly address data centre demand. The federal Minister of Energy will oversee this file in the approval of the plan.

Global context

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global data centres consumed approximately 415 TWh in 2024, equivalent to 1.5% of global electricity consumption. This figure could reach 945 TWh by 2030 (central scenario), equivalent to Japan's annual electricity consumption.

Artificial intelligence accounts for approximately 15% of data centre energy consumption in 2024. This share could reach 35 to 50% by 2030. A significant shift has occurred: inference (the day-to-day use of models) now accounts for 60 to 70% of AI energy consumption, compared with 20 to 30% for training. It is the queries from millions of users that weigh on the energy system, more so than the construction of the models themselves.

Belgium: a rapidly growing hub

Belgium stands out with data centre consumption representing 4% of its national electricity, twice the European average (approximately 2%). The saturation of established hubs (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin) is redirecting investment towards Belgium.

The BDIA (Belgian Digital Infrastructure Association) records approximately 35 operational data centres and 4 to 5 under construction, with a colocation capacity of 93 MW across approximately 50 installations. Investment in the Belgian data centre market is estimated at USD 1.83 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 3.10 billion by 2030.

Hyperscaler investments in Belgium

Azure Belgium Central has been operational since November 2025. The Google site at Farciennes (approximately EUR 1 billion) will incorporate a waste heat recovery system via the Igretec network.

BRU01: the first large data centre in the Brussels-Capital Region

KevlinX BRU01 has been operational since January 2026 on the Galilei site of citydev.brussels, avenue Antoon Van Oss in Neder-Over-Heembeek (1120 Brussels).

Consumption estimate: at 32 MW and a 60% utilisation rate, BRU01 would consume approximately 168 GWh/year, equivalent to approximately 3.7% of the Brussels-Capital Region's electricity consumption and the equivalent of approximately 82,500 Brussels households (based on 2,036 kWh/year per household, Energuide). This figure is a BGM estimate; actual consumption will depend on effective occupancy.

Impact on the electricity grid

Data centre grid connection requests submitted to Elia have increased ninefold since 2022. The capacity reserved for 2034 exceeds twice the 8 TWh forecast in the network development plan. Elia proposes:

• A specific "data centre" category with capacity caps
• Flexible connections (curtailment possible during congestion peaks)
• The objective: to prevent data centres from displacing other industrial users

On 17 March 2026, Elia published a network hosting-capacity map (updated on 9 April 2026), making it possible to locate the zones still available for connection. The operator also plans to quadruple its investments in Wallonia by 2030 (about EUR 2.6 billion over 2026-2030). The federal development plan 2028-2038, drawn up with the Regions, will explicitly address data centre demand.

The Brussels regulator documented the risk as early as October 2025. In its opinion 408 on Sibelga's electricity development plan 2026-2030, BRUGEL explicitly names the possible arrival of energy-intensive data centres in a context of surging capacity demand driven by artificial intelligence. The regulator draws a direct conclusion: the growing pressure on available capacity upstream of Sibelga's distribution network could directly affect the power made available at supply points. It announces work on regulatory instruments, including flexible connections, and calls for a "careful and transparent" examination of how available reserve capacity is allocated at supply points shared between several operators and customers.

On 6 August 2026, RTBF put figures on the situation: 6 data centres in the Brussels Region and 12 in the periphery, together consuming the equivalent of several hundred thousand households. Sibelga announces EUR 600 million of investment over 2026-2030 and considers the situation manageable in the short term for households and businesses. The point of concern is medium voltage: data centres connect directly to the high-voltage grid, which can reduce the capacity left downstream for residents and SMEs. BRUGEL calls for stronger coordination between the regional and federal levels.

At federal level, the CREG adopted decision (B)3027 on 29 January 2026, amending the code of conduct and reforming transmission grid connection procedures to respond to the influx of applications and the increased pressure on grid capacity: restructured process steps, binding deadlines for each step, more clearly defined preliminary studies and a go/no-go decision. The decision entered into force on 9 March 2026.

The European Central Bank notes that "national electricity markets are more vulnerable to AI-related pressures than gas markets" (Economic Bulletin 2/2025). Belgium, which imports a share of its electricity, is particularly exposed. The Belgian electricity mix comprised 29.8% renewables in 2024 (Elia).

Energy consumption per AI query

A standard GPT-4o query (approximately 0.3 Wh) is equivalent to approximately 9 seconds of television viewing. A GPT-5 query (approximately 18 Wh) is equivalent to approximately 1 hour 20 minutes of television viewing.

Efficiency gains are rapid: Google reports 33 times less energy per Gemini query over 12 months (and 44 times in carbon footprint). However, these gains are offset by the explosion in usage volume (Jevons paradox).

Water and environment

The Google data centre in Saint-Ghislain consumes approximately 1.39 billion litres of industrial water per year (2022). The site primarily uses grey water from the industrial canal for cooling, rather than drinking water. The new Farciennes site will use air cooling (lower water consumption). For BRU01 in Brussels, no water consumption data is available.

The European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) has required annual reporting since September 2024 for data centres with more than 500 kW of IT capacity: PUE, water consumption, share of renewables, waste heat recovery. In 2026 the European Commission published the first aggregate results at EU level (2023-2024 data): 776 data centres, 6.4 GW of installed IT capacity, 16.7 TWh consumed and a weighted average PUE of 1.36. The country-level breakdown remains limited and no Brussels figures are available; the next reporting deadline was 15 May 2026 for full-year 2025 data. A rating and labelling scheme for data centres is in preparation: a draft Delegated Regulation was registered on 26 March 2026 (call for feedback opened on 27 March), and a revised version was published on 2 July 2026. As of 27 August 2026 the text has not been adopted: it still has to pass scrutiny by the Member States and the European Parliament. It provides for an A to G rating based on PUE (from ≤ 1.15 for A to > 1.90 for G) and WUE (from ≤ 0.10 to > 1.00 litre per kWh), for data centres with at least 500 kW of installed IT power. The first electronic label is planned for 15 August 2027, and the Commission must report by 31 December 2028.

The Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact (CNDCP) is a voluntary commitment targeting climate neutrality for European data centres by 2030. Belgian operator LCL is a signatory.

Regional response: responsible digital

Faced with the growing environmental footprint of the digital sector, the Region is developing a responsible-digital policy — sobriety, circular economy, inclusion — coordinated by Paradigm (the regional digital administration, formerly CIRB).

The finding. According to the Region, global digital infrastructure accounts for about 4% of greenhouse-gas emissions, a share that could rise by 60% by 2050 without action.

Regional measures.

• Extending hardware lifespan: Paradigm raised the usage life of its computers from 4 to 6 years, cutting its annual footprint by about 36%. Generalised across all Brussels administrations, this single gesture would represent some 230 tonnes of avoided emissions per year.
• Refurbishment and circular economy: the Recycle IT project maps the actors of IT refurbishment; the Region also relies on ISIT-be (Belgian Institute for Responsible Digital).
• Strategic frameworks: a Responsible Digital Charter, a Digital Appropriation Plan (inclusion / digital-divide strand) and the integration of the digital sector into the Regional Air-Climate-Energy Plan (PACE, 2023).
• Citizen awareness: a Digital eco-gestures guide (16 sheets) for the general public.

The blind spot. This sobriety policy concerns first and foremost the hardware and uses of administrations and citizens. It does not address the electricity consumption of the data centres located in the Region (see above): the link between the "AI capital" ambition, the growth of data centres and the responsible-digital objective is absent from the regional plans.

Sources: be.brussels — Responsible digital; Digital eco-gestures guide (PDF). Confidence: official (regional institutional source).

Distribution of competences

Issues to monitor

• Elia network plan 2028–2038: will it include capacity caps for data centres? What allocation for the Brussels-Capital Region? (Hosting-capacity map published in March 2026; decision on caps expected 2026–2027)
• EED reporting: first aggregate EU results published in 2026 (2023-2024); the Belgian and Brussels breakdown remains unavailable; the rating scheme has not been adopted as of 27 August 2026, revised draft published on 2 July 2026, first label planned for 15 August 2027
• AI Factory Antenna: Belgium has been selected as an "Antenna" (rather than a full Factory) within the European AI Factories programme. The BE-AIFA consortium, coordinated by imec, brings together 23 partners from the three Regions and the federal level, with a EUR 10 million budget co-funded by EuroHPC and the Belgian authorities, and a start in early 2026
• Phase 2 of BRU01: the environmental permit was granted on 8 July 2026 and the planning permit on 24 August 2026. Neither publicly documents the electrical capacity targeted; they cover cooling and the building itself
• BRU01 occupancy: actual BRU01 consumption will be a key indicator of the impact of data centres on the Brussels electricity grid
• Waste heat recovery: the Google Farciennes project (via Igretec) sets a precedent. The Brussels-Capital Region has no equivalent obligation for data centres

Recent developments (March-August 2026)

Innoviris freeze (March-April 2026): the main regional research-funding body sees its budget cut from EUR 39M to EUR 30M (−20%) and freezes all new R&D projects in 2026 — no new calls, all windows closed. Ongoing agreements are honoured and applications already submitted will be reviewed for possible funding in 2027. Two open letters signed by hundreds of researchers (one of them carried by about 120 ULB and VUB researchers) denounce an unprecedented decision. The minister-president's office says it aims to provide 2027 means "equivalent to those of 2026". Direct impact on the Brussels AI ecosystem, which loses its main regional funding window.

Citizen mobilisation (26 March): at an AI forum in Brussels, activists denounced the energy consumption of the KevlinX BRU01 data centre (Neder-Over-Heembeek, 32 MW), estimating that at full capacity it would consume "as much electricity as the city of Namur". The event, described as "discreet" by the press, highlighted the gap between the DPR's "AI capital" ambition and the absence of an urban-planning and energy framework for data centres.

European EED framework (March-June 2026): the European Commission published the first aggregate results of the EED reporting (2023-2024) and, on 27 March, opened a consultation on a rating and labelling scheme for data centres, with adoption expected around 10 June 2026 (details in the "Water and environment" section). In parallel, Elia published its network hosting-capacity map (17 March 2026).

Phase 2 of BRU01: three refusals, then two permits (December 2025 to August 2026). The regional permit database documents a sequence that the press has not reported. Three applications concerning the "modification of the cooling installation network linked to the construction of phase 2 of the data centre and regularisation of undeclared cooling installations" were refused: two in class 1B, filed on 23 January and 4 March 2026 and refused on 17 February and 27 March, and one in municipal class 2, filed on 16 April. A fourth application, in regional class 2, was filed on 21 April, subject to a public inquiry from 8 to 22 June 2026, and granted on 8 July 2026, valid until 12 February 2035. In parallel, a planning permit filed on 20 December 2025, covering the redevelopment of the data centre and a compliance adjustment of the facades, was granted on 24 August 2026: it raises high-technology productive floor area from 17,821 to 18,013 m² and office space from 977 to 1,042 m². The grounds for the three refusals are not public and the decision documents are not published online.

The Brussels grid under pressure (6 August 2026). RTBF made public BRUGEL's concern about grid capacity, already set out in the regulator's October 2025 opinions (see "Impact on the electricity grid"). Six data centres are recorded in the Brussels Region and twelve in the periphery. Sibelga announces EUR 600 million of investment over 2026-2030 and considers the situation manageable in the short term.

Sources: BRUZZ (27 March 2026), La DH (26 March 2026), BX1 (7 April 2026), European Commission (EED rating scheme, 27 March 2026), Elia (network hosting capacity, March 2026), RTBF (6 August 2026), Openpermits, regional NOVA database (accessed 27 August 2026), BRUGEL (opinions 408 and 410 of 28 October 2025), CREG (decision B3027 of 29 January 2026).

What the data does not tell us

• No aggregated data on data centres in the Brussels-Capital Region: neither energy consumption, nor water consumption, nor sector-specific employment figures
• No quantified analysis of the impact of data centres on electricity prices for Brussels households and SMEs: BRUGEL documents the risk of upstream congestion (opinions 408 and 410 of 28 October 2025) but has published no tariff assessment
• Reserved capacity per substation: neither Sibelga nor Elia publishes the capacity already reserved at Brussels distribution level. Those figures sit in the ten-year consumption forecast drawn up jointly by Elia and Sibelga, which is not public; Elia does publish, for its own high-voltage grid, a hosting-capacity map showing available and reserved capacity
• Permit holders and capacities: the regional permit database publishes the object, the class and the dates of every file, never the name of the operator or the installed electrical capacity
• No urban planning framework: data centres are absent from the Regional Sustainable Development Plan (PRDD) and no specific category exists within Brussels urban planning
• Brussels Parliament: no parliamentary questions relating to data centres have been identified in the online archives (web search; Weblex is not indexed by search engines)
• EED country breakdown limited: the Commission published aggregate EU results (2023-2024), but the Belgian and Brussels detail remains publicly unavailable
• Taxation: no specific tax regime for data centres in the Brussels-Capital Region has been identified