Datacentres, Energy and Water Working Group

Project Lead: Tom Moran 

Overview

As Artificial Intelligence deployment accelerates, the sustainability of its underlying digital infrastructure has become a strategic priority.

GeSI has launched the Data Centres, Energy & Water Working Group, a focused initiative dedicated to the sustainable development of AI-related digital infrastructure. The Working Group provides GeSI members and key partners with practical, near-term guidance to address the operational realities of AI infrastructure build-out. 

The initiative focuses on critical challenges including: 

• Energy demand and grid integration 
• Water use and resource efficiency 
• Circularity and materials management 
• Siting and regional planning 
• Governance and regulatory alignment 

By aligning sustainability objectives with infrastructure expansion, the Working Group will be aligned and in support with the European long-term climate and competitiveness goals. 

Why This Initiative

AI growth is driving unprecedented demand for computing capacity, data storage, and energy resources. 

While Europe has established ambitious climate, digital, and industrial strategies, the rapid scaling of AI infrastructure presents new operational and investment challenges. 

There is a clear need to: 

• Translate policy frameworks into actionable operational guidance 
• Align sustainability targets with infrastructure deployment realities 
• Support investment decisions with practical and scalable solutions 
• Bridge discussions between policymakers, researchers, and infrastructure operators

The Datacentres, Energy and Water Working Group responds directly to this need.

Objectives

Deliver Practical Guidance for Sustainable AI Infrastructure 

Develop actionable recommendations to support sustainable data centre design and operation, aligned with Europe’s climate, energy, and digital policy objectives. 

Translate Policy and Research into Action 

Convert academic research and policy frameworks into practical tools, pilots, and voluntary industry commitments that inform infrastructure, finance, and investment decisions in 2026–2027. 

Convene a Focused, Time-Bound Working Group 

Establish a dedicated Datacentres, Energy and Water Working Group with a clear scope and defined timeline, bringing together operators, cloud providers, investors, technology leaders, and independent experts.

Bridge Policy and Operations 

Position GeSI as a trusted bridge between AI-related policy and research discussions and the operational decisions made by infrastructure owners, platforms, and capital providers.

Key Deliverables

• Briefing notes on sustainability challenges and policy alignment 
• An industry pilot addressing responsible AI infrastructure practices 
• Shared principles for sustainable and resource-efficient AI infrastructure 
• Practical guidance to support industry commitments and investment planning 

These outputs are designed to deliver near-term impact while supporting long-term systemic alignment. 

Leadership

The initiative is led by Tom Moran, a high qualified strategic advisor, mentor and investor on technology, sustainability and digital transformation, whose extensive experience in digital infrastructure strategy will help guide a practical, implementation-oriented approach.

Member Engagement

GeSI members are invited to contribute their expertise and practical experience to help shape scalable, real-world solutions for Global AI infrastructure build-out.  Active participation from industry and investment stakeholders is essential to ensuring that  AI growth remains resilient, resource-efficient, and aligned with its climate and competitiveness objectives.