COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL APPROACHES TO ENERGY REGULATION FOR DATA CENTERS

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital services is driving a sharp increase in data center energy consumption and placing greater strain on energy infrastructure. This study aims to comparatively assess approaches to regulating data center energy efficiency in the European Union, China, Singapore, and Latin American countries. Based on a qualitative content analysis and a comparative review of regulatory documents, government strategies, and industry materials from 2023–2026, six key regulatory areas were identified: energy efficiency, renewable energy use, reporting and monitoring, water resource management, infrastructure and grid regulation, and the incentivization of technological innovation. The findings indicate that the choice of regulatory instruments is primarily determined by the specific characteristics of national energy systems, resource constraints, climatic conditions, and infrastructure capabilities. On this basis, four regulatory models were identified: the European model based on efficiency metrics; the Chinese model of strategic planning; the Singaporean model of technology selection; and the emerging Latin American model focused on resource security.