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Goldman Sachs

May 18, 2026

Powering Up Europe: Datacenters in the UK and Europe

Sector ReportEquitiesMacro Economic IndicatorsUtilitiesInformation Technology

A surge in datacenter demand driven by AI is expected to boost UK power consumption by 25% and drive a €3.5 trillion investment cycle in European power infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.The UK is facing a significant datacenter boom, with National Grid preparing for 10 GW of demand by 2031, which could increase UK power consumption by 25%.
  • 2.AI Agents are significantly more energy-intensive (50x) than current AI Chatbots, driving projections of 60-75 GW of European datacenter capacity by 2035.
  • 3.European energy policy is pivoting toward electrification and security, necessitating approximately €3.5 trillion in investment for power generation and grids.

Table of Contents

  • Powering Up Europe
  • Disclosure Appendix
  • GS Factor Profile
  • M&A Rank
  • Quantum
  • Disclosures
  • Regulatory disclosures

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Authors

Alberto GandolfiAjay PatelMafalda Pombeiro

Securities

SSERWEG.DEOrsted

Themes

AI-Driven Energy DemandEuropean ElectrificationDatacenter Infrastructure Boom

Regions

EuropeUKUnited KingdomGermany