Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the Energy Sector

Flagship action 1: A model tripartite agreement for the sustainable integration of data centres into the energy system, to roll out local agreements between data centre operators, energy-related parties and public authorities. The model could lay down actions on: improved provision of information for better grid planning, better informing the decision-making for optimal data centre project sitting, increasing the transparency of grid connection requests (including the use-it-or-lose-it principle to avoid speculative queue reservation), improved use of PPAs14 and delivering additional generation of clean energy, delivering solutions for data centre flexibility (through market-based instruments and capitalising on the legal framework in force), supporting the recovery and use of waste heat and improving energy performance, leveraging flexible connection agreements as a means to access the grids where needed. The model can be subsequently adapted and piloted in Member States and regions. Water-related issues will be addressed in line with the development of the EU rating scheme for data centres.

Timing: A declaration of intent stating the willingness of the industry stakeholders to cooperate in the framework of a tripartite agreement, and identifying key areas for their action, will be adopted along this Strategic Roadmap; the model tripartite agreement will be published and promoted in the second half of 2026. In addition, and if necessary, the Commission will consider putting forward a legislative proposal to ensure the sustainable integration of data centres into the EU energy system.

Expected impacts: improved coordination between public authorities, data centre operators, electricity system operators and other relevant stakeholders; faster and more sustainable grid integration of data centres; greater uptake of clean energy sourcing and flexibility solutions; better energy performance; lower energy prices; and a more consistent but adaptable framework across Member States. Maximised synergies with district heating.

Flagship action 2: An EU rating scheme for data centres covering energy efficiency, water efficiency, clean energy use, waste heat reuse and flexibility15 and launch the process for minimum EU energy performance standards.

Timing: rating scheme adopted in 2026; first labels in 2027; minimum EU energy performance standards needs assessment by 2027.

Expected impacts: increased transparency and promotion of the sustainable development of data centres; optimised projected energy and water consumption.

Flagship action 3: Development of EU key performance indicators for smart grids and acceleration of smart meters rollout

Timing: EU catalogue of indicators to be finalised by mid-2026. Legislative proposal in 2026 to accelerate the rollout of smart meters in the EU, aiming for minimum coverage in each Member States, and task ACER to provide recommendation on smart grid indicators in 2028 with regular monitoring of progress afterwards.

Expected impacts: improved investment decisions in smart and digitalised grids, more efficient use of existing grids, strengthened regulatory oversight by National Regulatory Authorities, more cost-efficient deployment of smart and digital solutions, and accelerated integration of renewables, electrification, resilience and energy efficiency across Europe.

Flagship action 4: Development of AI models across the energy value chain

Timing: • A project agreement launching a Community of Practice for developing AI models for grid management and planning is signed alongside this Strategic Roadmap; dedicated Horizon Europe calls will open in 2026 (EUR 30 million) and 2027 (EUR 20 million); proof-of-concept AI models will be developed and tested in Q1 2027; first operational models by end of 2027. Develop digital portals for Member States, using generative AI technologies to streamline permit review for renewable energy, storage and grid projects; design in 2027; roll-out in 2028 for public authorities to use.

Expected impacts: improved grid observability, forecasting, congestion management and flexibility integration; easier access to digital tools that help households control consumption, and more inclusive participation in self-consumption and energy-sharing schemes, improved evidence-base for public action through better building-stock and performance data; accelerated renewable, storage and grid deployment through faster and more transparent permitting.

Flagship action 5: Establish an EU framework for simplified cross-border energy data exchange for smart energy services and AI model training

Timing: assessment in 2026; development as of 2027.

Expected impacts: reduced fragmentation in energy data exchange; enabled cross-border smart energy services at scale; improved grid flexibility and renewable integration; innovation and new business models; a more efficient, integrated and competitive EU energy system; and a single market of smart energy services scalable across the EU.

Flagship action 6: Strengthen safety of AI and the cybersecurity of critical devices

Timing: risk assessment of solar installations in the EU in 2026; review the energy security of supply framework in 2026.

Expected impacts: ensure transparency, explainability, and human oversight of AI technologies embedded in critical energy infrastructures; increase cybersecurity and resilience of electricity grids with high-risk devices such as solar inverters; ensure alignment with civil protection and emergency response protocols.

Flagship action 7: Track digitalisation progress in the EU and improve energy data availability

Timing: convene an annual Energy Digitalisation Forum starting in 2026; define metrics to monitor the progress of digitalisation and AI adoption in 2027; create a Fuel Observatory in 2026; launch a Better Energy Data initiative in Q4 2026.

Expected impacts: ensure balanced digitalisation across Member States, improve energy data availability to monitor EU energy policy targets and support decision making.