Poland's growing AI sector sparks concerns over energy and water consumption, with data centres expected to increase electricity demand

Poland is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, but the country's plans do not address the significant environmental costs associated with the technology. Data centres, which are essential for AI applications, consume large amounts of energy and water, posing a challenge for Poland's resources.

Energy Consumption

According to the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, data centres globally consumed 448 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2025. In Poland, electricity demand from data centres is expected to rise from 0.6 TWh in 2024 to 29.4 TWh by 2040, which is equivalent to more than one in every ten units of electricity consumed in the country that year.

Water Usage

While electricity consumption is a major concern, water usage is also a significant issue. However, Poland does not track data centres as a separate category of water user, and there are no aggregated figures showing the sector's overall environmental footprint. The state water authority, Polish Waters, does not provide data on water consumption by data centres.

Regulatory Gap

The lack of data on water consumption reflects a broader regulatory gap. Current planning law treats data centres largely as ordinary industrial or commercial developments, despite their unique demands on electricity networks and water resources. This gap is particularly concerning given the intensifying hydrological drought in Poland, with warnings now covering roughly half the country.