IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026

4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

Session information

The thirsty cloud: navigating the water-energy nexus in the digital age of data centres

Wednesday 7 October (1615 - 1730)

Committee(s)

Water Law Committee (Lead)
Power Law Committee

Description

The exponential growth of the digital economy is powered by data centres, which have an immense and often overlooked thirst for two critical resources: energy and water. This session will dissect the intricate legal and regulatory nexus between water rights and energy supply, which are essential for the operation and cooling of these vital infrastructures. Our panel of experts will explore the mounting challenges of securing water permits in water-scarce regions, structuring power purchase agreements (PPAs) that account for water availability, and navigating the complex web of environmental licensing. We will also analyse the contractual risks, ESG imperatives and innovative legal strategies required to ensure the sustainable development and operation of data centres globally.