Vattenfall and Dutch start-up explore offshore data centres powered by wind farm

Vattenfall and Amsterdam start-up Project Enki are jointly studying the development of offshore data centres linked directly to wind farms. The concept would allow the facilities to operate fully on renewable energy generated at sea.

Vattenfall says offshore data centres could also help make better use of electricity generated at sea. Power that currently goes unused because of grid congestion or low prices could be consumed locally, improving overall efficiency and reducing reliance on onshore grid capacity.

The company also highlights that seawater could be used for cooling, rather than freshwater, as is often the case with land-based facilities.

Vattenfall said it is not yet able to confirm where the offshore data centres could be located. A spokesperson said the project is still in its early stages and under exploration, making it too soon to discuss specific sites. He also noted that the facilities would not necessarily need to be built in Dutch waters.

Data centre development in the Netherlands often faces public resistance. Critics say these facilities consume large amounts of energy while the national grid is already under pressure.

They also point to the use of drinking water for cooling as an inefficient use of resources. In addition, opponents argue that data centres occupy land that could be used for housing and contribute to CO₂ emissions, raising broader environmental concerns.