Europe's Ambitious Plan: Sending Data Centres into Space by 2036

As the demand for data centres surges, driven by the rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI), Europe is exploring a groundbreaking solution: launching data centres into space. This innovative approach aims to address issues of land shortages, power consumption, and data sovereignty. Recent findings suggest that this ambitious plan is feasible and sustainable.

The Feasibility Study: Promising Results

On behalf of the European Commission, Thales Alenia Space coordinated a comprehensive study that revealed the technical, environmental, and economic viability of sending data centres into orbit. The 16-month, €2 million study concluded that space-based data centres could be less energy-intensive than their terrestrial counterparts. Damien Dumestier, the study manager, expressed optimism, stating, "We have found a solution that is technically feasible, makes financial sense, and has a less impactful carbon footprint than on Earth."

The Need for Space Data Centres

Data centres, which house vast amounts of computer systems and data, are notorious for their high energy consumption. By 2026, data centres could use up to 1,000 terawatt-hours annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of Japan, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The proposed space data centres would leverage solar energy, significantly reducing their energy footprint.

However, we don't expect the implementation of this futuristic concept until 2036. Kevin Restivo, a European data centre research leader at real estate consultancy CBRE, emphasised the urgency of the current situation. "There's a small group of buyers that are incredibly powerful and hungry for data centre space and have deep pockets," Restivo noted, referring to major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google, known as "hyperscalers."

Land and Power Challenges

In many European metropolitan markets, suitable land with access to a robust power supply is becoming increasingly scarce. This scarcity is pushing data centre development into previously untapped regions. For instance, Microsoft's recent land purchase in Yorkshire, northern England, highlights this trend, as the area already has secured power supplies.

Space Data Centres: A Vision for the Future

While space-based data centres may seem far-fetched, Restivo believes in the value of such innovative research. "Testing the parameters of data centre development is crucial for the industry to grow," he told Euronews Next. This research could lead to developing alternative power methods and autonomous operations for data centres.

The study also highlighted the need for new launchers that significantly reduce emissions to make space data centres energy efficient. Discussions with France's Ariane Group and a German space company are ongoing to develop environmentally friendly launchers in the coming years.

Sustainability and Long-Term Goals

One major concern is ensuring that space data centres do not contribute to the growing problem of space debris. The proposed data centres would orbit at an altitude of around 1,400 kilometres, higher than most satellites. Ensuring these centres have a long operational life and reusable materials is crucial for meeting sustainability goals.

Potential Benefits for Europe

Dumestier highlighted the potential advantages of this ambitious project. Space data centres could enhance European data sovereignty and position Europe as a leader in the space sector. "In terms of benefits, it is a big market that is accessible, and it will open new doors for other applications," he said.

Although the journey towards space-based data centres is still in its early stages, the promising study results point to a future where data centre innovation will reach new heights.