Netherlands Urged to Invest in Energy-Efficient AI Technologies
Amsterdam, Friday, 28 November 2025.
A study suggests the Netherlands should focus on developing energy-efficient AI by leveraging its strengths in infrastructure and data quality, rather than competing with larger AI models from the US and China.
Strategic Focus on Energy-Efficient AI
A recent study by Invest-NL and ROM Nederland highlights the Netherlands’ potential to lead in the development of energy-efficient AI technologies, leveraging its robust infrastructure and high-quality data [1]. The research suggests that instead of engaging in direct competition with the US and China over large AI models, the Netherlands should capitalize on its expertise in reliable infrastructure and specialized knowledge. This approach could position the country as a leader in sustainable AI innovation, which is critical for addressing climate change [1].
The Role of Infrastructure and Data Quality
The study emphasizes the importance of combining qualitative data usage with energy-efficient AI systems. This strategy can significantly reduce energy consumption, a critical factor given the increasing global demand for electricity driven by data centers and AI technologies [1][5]. The International Energy Agency projects data center electricity demand will more than double by 2030, underlining the need for innovations that minimize energy use [5]. By focusing on energy efficiency, the Netherlands can effectively manage resource constraints while supporting AI advancements [5].
Investment and Policy Recommendations
The report calls for substantial investments in AI startups and scale-ups, suggesting funding tickets ranging from €20-30 million, and over €100 million for hardware and foundational models [1]. Such investments are crucial to foster innovation and build a robust AI ecosystem. Additionally, the study advocates for a comprehensive AI industry policy to dismantle existing barriers and promote European cooperation, which is essential to mitigate investment and infrastructure fragmentation [1].
Future-Proofing AI Development
Invest-NL and ROM Nederland propose the establishment of an AI Gigafactory specializing in edge-AI, which would focus on energy-efficient hardware and privacy-conscious local computing power [1]. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Netherlands’ autonomous AI capabilities, ensuring its competitiveness in the European market. Furthermore, leveraging public demand to accelerate AI adoption, particularly in healthcare, energy, and security sectors, could enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure governance under democratic principles [1].