Building a hyperscale data center or AI campus (between 100 and 400 MW) involves a complex series of administrative and regulatory steps. Procedures vary according to country, region and type of site, but in France (as an example) and the European Union, there are a number of authorizations and legal requirements to be met.

The building permit is supplemented by an environmental authorization requiring an impact study to take into account impacts on biodiversity, water resources, air quality and the project’s overall carbon footprint.

In addition to the impact study, the ICPE dossier includes a hazard assessment and risk prevention and reduction measures.

The electrical connection generally requires a building permit from the public transmission system operator. This is done at the same time as the building permit.

The size of a data center project also implies a public inquiry and consultation with local authorities. As a result, lead times can be extended.

In Ile-de-France, thelocation of data centers must be in line with the guidelines set out in the master plan for the Île-de-France region (SDRIF) and, more generally, be compatible with sustainable regional development policies , which cover a wide range of issues, including :

– the “zero net artificialisation” (ZAN) trajectory enshrined in the “climate and resilience ” law no. 2021-1104 of August 22, 2021,

– the energy-saving ambitions defined in the Île-de-France regional climate, air and energy plan (SRCAE) approved in December 2012,

– the 2019-2028 multiannual energy plan (PPE) adopted on April 21, 2020,

– Act no. 2021-1485 of November 15, 2021, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology in France. last two chapters aim to promote less energy-intensive data centers and a digital strategy in the regions. Among other things, this law requires the reuse of waste heat or compliance with a specific quantified indicator of power utilization efficiency (value to be determined by decree).