{
 "dataset": "policy",
 "version": "1.4.0",
 "generated_on": "2026-10-02",
 "licence": "CC BY 4.0 for ComputeFinder-owned summaries, labels and compilation rights only, except where a record supplies a specific adaptation licence. Third-party material retains its source terms.",
 "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
 "licence_scope": "Only copyright and database rights controlled by ComputeFinder in its original contributions. No third-party rights are granted. Source reuse terms have not been comprehensively cleared; consult each linked source. Private submissions, contact details, code and branding are excluded.",
 "source_terms_status": "Not comprehensively cleared; check linked sources before reusing third-party material.",
 "attribution": "Compiled by ComputeFinder (https://computefinder.net). Original contributions licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), except adaptations carrying a record-specific licence. Give appropriate credit, retain licence and source notices, and indicate changes when sharing. Each record links its primary source; retain any attribution required by that source. Material is provided as-is without warranties.",
 "note": "No prices are included. Missing values are null or absent, never zero.",
 "records": [
  {
   "slug": "united-kingdom",
   "name": "United Kingdom",
   "iso": "GB",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "The UK is actively steering AI data centres towards designated zones with planning and power support.",
   "summary": "Government policy treats data centres as strategic infrastructure, with AI Growth Zones offering faster planning, help with grid access and, from 2027, lower electricity costs in some regions. A public compute roadmap sets out growth in state-funded capacity to 2030. New cyber-resilience duties for data centres are proposed. For someone seeking compute, the practical effect is more capacity being steered towards Scotland, Wales and northern England.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "AI Growth Zones delivery policy",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-ai-growth-zones/delivering-ai-growth-zones",
     "note": "Published 13 November 2025; sets out grid, planning and power-price support for zones, with the electricity discount scheme due to start in April 2027 subject to legislation."
    },
    {
     "title": "UK Compute Roadmap",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-compute-roadmap/uk-compute-roadmap",
     "note": "Published July 2025 and updated April 2026; commits to a 20-fold rise in public AI research capacity by 2030 and forecasts at least 6GW of AI-capable data centre capacity."
    },
    {
     "title": "Data centres designated Critical National Infrastructure",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/data-centres-to-be-given-massive-boost-and-protections-from-cyber-criminals-and-it-blackouts",
     "note": "Announced 12 September 2024; brings data centres under dedicated government security and incident-response support."
    },
    {
     "title": "Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: data centre regime",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-security-and-resilience-network-and-information-systems-bill-factsheets/data-centres",
     "note": "Would make Ofcom the regulator for data centres at or above 1MW rated IT load (10MW for enterprise facilities), with incident reporting duties."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The AI Growth Zones paper describes reallocating grid capacity, reserving capacity for strategic projects and letting developers build their own high-voltage infrastructure, with government expecting shorter connection timelines.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/united-kingdom"
  },
  {
   "slug": "european-union",
   "name": "European Union",
   "iso": "EU",
   "direction": "mixed",
   "headline": "The EU is proposing to speed up data centre deployment while tightening efficiency and water reporting.",
   "summary": "The Commission proposed a Cloud and AI Development Act on 3 June 2026, aiming to simplify permitting and improve access to energy, land, water and finance, with a stated ambition to at least triple EU data centre capacity within five to seven years. In parallel, operators already report energy performance to an EU database, a public rating scheme based on energy and water efficiency has been put forward, and minimum performance standards are being consulted on. Both the proposal and the rating scheme are not yet final.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA)",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cloud-and-ai-development-act",
     "note": "Commission proposal of 3 June 2026 for a regulation; the pages fetched did not report any Parliament or Council position."
    },
    {
     "title": "Data centre rating scheme (Delegated Regulation 2026/7000)",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://energy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b073ba9b-82a8-45cb-b8ba-78dad149e941_en?filename=C_2026_3472_1_EN_ACT_part1_v9.pdf",
     "note": "Dated 21 September 2026; would create public energy (PUE) and water (WUE) labels, first generated by 15 August 2027, and takes effect twenty days after Official Journal publication."
    },
    {
     "title": "Energy Efficiency Directive data centre reporting",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-targets-directive-and-rules/energy-efficiency-directive/energy-performance-data-centres_en",
     "note": "Larger data centres must report energy performance to a European database under Directive (EU) 2023/1791."
    },
    {
     "title": "Minimum performance standards for data centres",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "consultation",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-targets-directive-and-rules/energy-efficiency-directive/energy-performance-data-centres_en",
     "note": "The Commission page shows a public consultation open until 14 December 2026 and a legislative proposal targeted for the second quarter of 2027."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The Commission describes CADA as aimed at easier access to energy for data centres, but the pages fetched did not set out specific grid connection provisions.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/european-union"
  },
  {
   "slug": "ireland",
   "name": "Ireland",
   "iso": "IE",
   "direction": "conditions",
   "headline": "Ireland allows new data centres to connect to the grid only if they bring their own generation or storage and new renewables.",
   "summary": "The energy regulator decided in December 2025 that new data centres must provide matching on-site or nearby generation or storage and source most of their power from new Irish renewables. A January 2026 government plan steers large energy users towards green energy parks near renewable supply. Capacity is therefore available, but on conditions that raise the up-front cost and complexity of a new build.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "CRU large energy users connection policy decision",
     "kind": "grid",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.cru.ie/about-us/news/the-cru-publishes-its-decision-on-new-electricity-connection-policy-for-data-centres/",
     "note": "Decided 12 December 2025: generation or storage matching maximum import demand, at least 80% of annual electricity from new Irish renewables, and location-specific grid assessment."
    },
    {
     "title": "Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP)",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2026/january/20260113.html",
     "note": "Published 13 January 2026; a plan-led approach with 17 actions and green energy parks that co-locate large users with renewable supply."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The regulator said system operators must publish a connection process for data centre applicants by 31 March 2026 and regularly publish capacity availability, and it projects data centres rising from 22% to 31% of national electricity demand by 2034.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/ireland"
  },
  {
   "slug": "united-states",
   "name": "United States (federal)",
   "iso": "US",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "Federal policy is pushing to speed up data centre permitting and large-load grid connection.",
   "summary": "A July 2025 executive order directs agencies to speed federal permitting for large data centre projects, and the Department of Energy is offering federal land for AI data centres. In June 2026 the federal energy regulator ordered all six regional grid operators to justify or reform how large loads such as data centres connect. This entry covers federal measures only: siting, retail power rules and tax treatment are set largely by states and differ widely.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Executive Order 14318, Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": "2025-07-23",
     "primary_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/28/2025-14212/accelerating-federal-permitting-of-data-center-infrastructure",
     "note": "Covers projects above $500 million, above 100MW of new load or designated by a secretary; directs new environmental-review exclusions, federal land access and financial support."
    },
    {
     "title": "DOE federal sites for AI data centres",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": "2025-07-24",
     "primary_url": "https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-site-selection-ai-data-center-and-energy-infrastructure-development-federal",
     "note": "Four sites named (Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Paducah, Savannah River) for private partners to build data centres and generation."
    },
    {
     "title": "FERC show cause orders on large load interconnection",
     "kind": "grid",
     "status": "consultation",
     "effective_on": "2026-06-18",
     "primary_url": "https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/ferc-launches-aggressive-targeted-action-speed-large-load-integration",
     "note": "The June orders initially gave all six regional grid operators 60 days to defend or reform tariffs. That original deadline is not a current-status finding: the separately reviewed NYISO abeyance order below changed the timetable for its proceeding. Outcomes across the six proceedings remain unverified here."
    },
    {
     "title": "NYISO large-load show cause proceeding: 14 August 2026 abeyance order",
     "kind": "grid",
     "status": "consultation",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://nyisoviewer.etariff.biz/ViewerDocLibrary/FercOrders/20260814-3068_EL26-69-000_39034.htm",
     "note": "FERC order 196 FERC 61,130 in EL26-69-000 set responses for 16 November 2026 and answers for 16 December 2026. Paragraph 11 says that if NYISO or the transmission owners make an FPA section 205 filing addressing the show cause order's preliminary findings on or before 16 November 2026, the response obligation of each respondent that made such a filing is suspended and the proceeding stays in abeyance pending further Commission direction. This is the August order's timetable, not verification of later filings or present obligations. Before relying on it for a project, check the current docket, respondent and applicable tariff with NYISO or FERC. Order reviewed 12 November 2026; this does not refresh the other federal records."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "FERC has also required PJM to set transparent rules for loads paired with generation and approved the Southwest Power Pool expedited large-load process; rules still vary by grid region.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/united-states"
  },
  {
   "slug": "netherlands",
   "name": "Netherlands",
   "iso": "NL",
   "direction": "closing",
   "headline": "Hyperscale data centres are barred from new local plans in the Netherlands, with only two named exceptions.",
   "summary": "A government letter of October 2024 states that local environmental plans may not permit hyperscale data centres, defined as over 10 hectares of floor area and at least 70MW of connection, apart from Het Hogeland and Hollands Kroon where they already operate. Amsterdam has ended expansion locally. Smaller facilities are still possible within local rules. This register entry rests on the 2024 position, so any later change has not been verified.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Government letter on data centres in the Dutch digital economy",
     "kind": "planning",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2024D45448",
     "note": "Dated 16 October 2024; sets out the national hyperscale siting restriction and the regional tightening in Amsterdam."
    },
    {
     "title": "Mandatory data centre energy reporting",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2024D45448",
     "note": "The same letter records reporting duties for facilities of at least 500kW IT capacity from 2024."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "TenneT said on 31 October 2025 that it expects about 60% of its expansion projects to finish on average 2.5 years later than planned.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/netherlands"
  },
  {
   "slug": "germany",
   "name": "Germany",
   "iso": "DE",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "Germany is easing energy-efficiency deadlines and working on faster grid connection and planning for data centres.",
   "summary": "The federal government announced in June 2026 that data centres will have until 2030, rather than 2027, to run fully on renewable energy on a balance-sheet basis. A national data centre strategy lists 28 measures, including grid connection reform and criteria to help municipalities assess sites, and its September 2026 monitoring shows most still in progress. Efficiency duties remain, but the direction is towards faster delivery.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Energy Efficiency Act changes for data centres",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/energieeffizienz-weniger-buerokratie-2444838",
     "note": "Government page of 24 June 2026 moves the full renewable-accounting deadline from 2027 to 2030; final passage was not confirmed from a source fetched."
    },
    {
     "title": "National data centre strategy, interim monitoring",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://bmds.bund.de/themen/digitale-wirtschaft/recheninfrastruktur/zwischenmonitoring-rechenzentrumsstrategie",
     "note": "Page updated 17 September 2026; tracks 28 measures, of which about 20 are still being developed."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The strategy includes reforming how network operators approve data centre connections, with project maturity standards and clearer publication of available network capacity.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/germany"
  },
  {
   "slug": "france",
   "name": "France",
   "iso": "FR",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "France has created a fast-track status for major data centres and is steering projects to prepared sites.",
   "summary": "A simplification law promulgated on 26 May 2026 lets certain data centres be recognised as projects of major national interest, with streamlined procedures, while also allowing refusal where local water is insufficient. The government has identified 63 sites it regards as suitable. The grid operator reports very large reserved capacity, so the constraint is increasingly connection timing rather than permission.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Law on simplifying economic life, data centre provisions",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.economie.gouv.fr/actualites/loi-de-simplification-de-la-vie-economique-ce-qui-change-pour-les-entreprises",
     "note": "Promulgated 26 May 2026; allows projects of major national interest status for some data centres and refusal on water grounds."
    },
    {
     "title": "Government data centre site programme",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.economie.gouv.fr/actualites/rencontres-des-centres-de-donnees-la-dynamique-des-projets-dinfrastructures-numeriques-se-confirme",
     "note": "Meeting of 30 January 2026: 63 sites identified, 26 already secured by a project holder, five fast-track sites with over 700MW connection potential in three to four years."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "RTE reported in May 2026 about 18GW of capacity reserved for roughly 80 data centre projects, up from about 5GW across 40 projects at the end of 2024.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/france"
  },
  {
   "slug": "finland",
   "name": "Finland",
   "iso": "FI",
   "direction": "mixed",
   "headline": "Finland planned to raise electricity tax on data centres while offering a conditional relief scheme.",
   "summary": "The government decided in October 2025 to move data centres from the reduced to the standard electricity tax rate from 1 July 2026, and in December 2025 approved a ten-year relief scheme for registered data centres that reuse waste heat or beat current efficiency standards. A data centre registry is also planned. The tax authority described the tax change as a bill awaiting Parliament, and we could not confirm its final passage.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Electricity tax change for data centres",
     "kind": "tax_incentive",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": "2026-07-01",
     "primary_url": "https://www.vero.fi/en/About-us/newsroom/changes-in-taxation/changes-to-the-excise-duty-2026/",
     "note": "Government bill HE 156/2025 would raise the duty by 2.19 cents per kWh; the tax authority page showed it as awaiting Parliament."
    },
    {
     "title": "Fixed-term state aid scheme and registration obligation",
     "kind": "tax_incentive",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": "2026-07-01",
     "primary_url": "https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/ministerial-committee-on-economic-policy-decides-on-state-aid-for-data-centres-and-registration-obligation",
     "note": "Decided 5 December 2025: ten years of tax relief capped at EUR 30 million in lost revenue, for registered data centres with waste heat reuse or better efficiency."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "Fingrid said on 18 August 2026 that data centre projects with signed connection agreements total nearly 5GW and that new connection capacity is almost fully reserved in many areas, causing regional waits.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/finland"
  },
  {
   "slug": "norway",
   "name": "Norway",
   "iso": "NO",
   "direction": "conditions",
   "headline": "Statnett has paused new data-centre grid reservations; registration is a separate requirement, not connection approval.",
   "summary": "Since January 2025 operators of commercial data centres, and of larger enterprise facilities, must register with the communications authority and meet security, preparedness and incident-reporting duties. Registration is informational, not a licence or a grid-connection approval.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Data centre registration duty",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": "2025-01-01",
     "primary_url": "https://nkom.no/datasenter/registreringsplikt",
     "note": "Applies to operators offering services to third parties for payment and to those above a stated power threshold; it is not an approval scheme."
    },
    {
     "title": "Data centre regulation, security and incident reporting",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://nkom.no/datasenter",
     "note": "The electronic communications act and the data centre regulation impose security, preparedness and notification duties from January 2025."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": null,
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/norway"
  },
  {
   "slug": "sweden",
   "name": "Sweden",
   "iso": "SE",
   "direction": "conditions",
   "headline": "Sweden is reworking how large electricity users queue for and gain grid connection.",
   "summary": "The government told the transmission operator in September 2025 to review its connection process to shorten lead times. Its April 2026 report proposes a readiness-based element alongside first-come, first-served, capacity zones for chosen customer types, and an investigation of fossil-free supply requirements for large new users. These are proposals, and neither text names data centres specifically.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Government assignment to review the connection process",
     "kind": "grid",
     "status": "ended",
     "effective_on": "2025-09-09",
     "primary_url": "https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2025/09/svenska-kraftnat-ska-se-over-anslutningsprocessen-for-ett-mer-konkurrenskraftigt-sverige/",
     "note": "Assignment published 9 September 2025 with a reporting deadline of 30 April 2026; the press release does not mention data centres."
    },
    {
     "title": "Svenska kraftnat report on connection and market access",
     "kind": "grid",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.svk.se/4992b2/siteassets/om-oss/rapporter/2026/rapport_-regeringsuppdrag-om-att-se-over-anslutningsprocessen-till-elsystemet-och-tilltradet-till-elmarknaden-.pdf",
     "note": "Dated 29 April 2026; proposes a first-ready mechanism, capacity zones and further study of supply agreements for large consumers."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The operator's report says first-come, first-served can tie up capacity with projects that are not ready, which is why it proposes a readiness test.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/sweden"
  },
  {
   "slug": "singapore",
   "name": "Singapore",
   "iso": "SG",
   "direction": "conditions",
   "headline": "Singapore releases new data centre capacity in controlled tranches tied to green energy and efficiency standards.",
   "summary": "New capacity is allocated through government calls for application rather than on a first-come basis. The second call, launched on 1 December 2025, offered at least 200MW and was followed by a provisional allocation of 200MW to four operators. Applicants are assessed on economic contribution and on sustainability, including Green Mark Platinum and a PUE of 1.25 or better, and must source at least half their power from specified green energy pathways.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Data Centre Call for Application 2 (DC-CFA2)",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "ended",
     "effective_on": "2025-12-01",
     "primary_url": "https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/factsheets/2025/launch-of-second-data-centre",
     "note": "At least 200MW on offer; requires at least 50% from eligible green energy pathways, Green Mark Platinum and PUE of 1.25 or better."
    },
    {
     "title": "DC-CFA2 provisional allocation",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/about-edb/media-releases-publications/four-data-centre-proposals-selected-as-part-of-second-data-centre.html",
     "note": "EDB and IMDA provisionally allocated 200MW of new capacity to four operators; the date of the announcement was not shown on the page."
    },
    {
     "title": "Green Data Centre Roadmap announcement",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/singapore-to-expand-data-centre-capacity-by-at-least-one-third-pushes-for-green-energy-use.html",
     "note": "A 30 May 2023 announcement of at least 300MW of added capacity, with a further 200MW for green operators, and efficiency measures such as higher operating temperatures and liquid cooling."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": null,
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/singapore"
  },
  {
   "slug": "south-korea",
   "name": "South Korea",
   "iso": "KR",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "South Korea is backing public AI compute and steering new AI data centres outside the Seoul region.",
   "summary": "The AI Basic Act took effect in January 2026 and lets the government designate AI data centres and AI clusters. The science ministry has plans for a National AI Computing Center and a target of 18,000 advanced GPUs by mid-2026, with support for AI data centres outside the capital region. Several of the planning documents date from 2025, so progress against the targets has not been verified here.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "AI Basic Act",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://msit.go.kr/eng/bbs/view.do?bbsSeqNo=42&mId=4&mPid=2&nttSeqNo=1071&pageIndex=&sCode=eng&searchOpt=ALL&searchTxt=",
     "note": "Takes effect one year after promulgation, in January 2026; Article 25 allows designation of AI data centres and Article 23 of AI clusters."
    },
    {
     "title": "AI computing infrastructure expansion plan",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.msit.go.kr/eng/bbs/view.do?sCode=eng&nttSeqNo=1092&pageIndex=&searchTxt=&searchOpt=ALL&bbsSeqNo=42&mId=4&mPid=2",
     "note": "Aims for 18,000 advanced GPUs by mid-2026 and preferential power-supply assessment and site flexibility for AI data centres outside the Seoul metropolitan area."
    },
    {
     "title": "National AI Computing Center",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.msit.go.kr/eng/bbs/view.do?sCode=eng&mId=4&mPid=2&pageIndex=&bbsSeqNo=42&nttSeqNo=1074&searchOpt=ALL&searchTxt=",
     "note": "Announced 22 January 2025 as a public-private special purpose company offering advanced GPUs; the page describes a 2025 call for proposals."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The ministry plan offers preferential power supply assessment for AI data centres sited outside the Seoul metropolitan area.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/south-korea"
  },
  {
   "slug": "saudi-arabia",
   "name": "Saudi Arabia",
   "iso": "SA",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "Saudi Arabia regulates data centre services through registration and has consulted on a law to host foreign data on special terms.",
   "summary": "The communications regulator requires providers of data centre services in the Kingdom to register each facility. In 2025 it consulted on a Global AI Hub Law with three models (private, extended and virtual centres) letting international entities host data under differing sovereignty arrangements. We could not confirm from a fetched source whether that law has since been adopted.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Data centre services regulation and registration",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/knowledge-center/digital-knowledge/data-center",
     "note": "Applies to wholesale and retail providers of data centre services to others, with each facility registered separately."
    },
    {
     "title": "Global AI Hub Law",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "consultation",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/media-center/news/N2025041401",
     "note": "Public consultation ran from 14 April to 14 May 2025; the page proposes private, extended and virtual hub models."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": null,
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/saudi-arabia"
  },
  {
   "slug": "india",
   "name": "India",
   "iso": "IN",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "India has proposed a long tax holiday for foreign cloud providers using Indian data centres.",
   "summary": "The 2026-27 Union Budget proposed an exemption through tax year 2046-47 for eligible foreign cloud providers that serve customers through Indian data centres and local resellers. Data centres have had infrastructure status since the 2022-23 Budget, which helps with credit access. Government figures put installed data centre capacity at 1.57GW in August 2026. Enactment of the tax measure was not confirmed from a fetched source.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Tax exemption for foreign cloud providers using Indian data centres",
     "kind": "tax_incentive",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/documents/d/guest/faqs_the_taxation_and_other_laws_amendment_bill_2026",
     "note": "Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 FAQs describe exemption to 2046-47 where the foreign firm does not own the facility and sells via a local reseller."
    },
    {
     "title": "Budget 2026-27 cloud and AI infrastructure measures",
     "kind": "tax_incentive",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2227953&reg=3&lang=2",
     "note": "Describes a 15% on-cost safe harbour margin for related-party arrangements and keeps domestic activity taxable."
    },
    {
     "title": "Infrastructure status for data centres",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159969&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1",
     "note": "Added to the Harmonized List of Infrastructure in the 2022-23 Budget, a policy designation rather than standalone legislation."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The government note of September 2026 cites 1.57GW of installed capacity and clean-power schemes, but we did not verify specific grid connection rules for data centres.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/india"
  },
  {
   "slug": "australia",
   "name": "Australia",
   "iso": "AU",
   "direction": "conditions",
   "headline": "Australia is moving from voluntary expectations towards mandatory national standards for large data centres.",
   "summary": "Government expectations released with the December 2025 National AI Plan ask developers to put national interest first, support the energy transition, use water responsibly and invest in local skills, with prioritised approvals for those that comply. On 26 August 2026 National Cabinet endorsed mandatory, nationally consistent standards for energy, water and land use, with legislation expected in early 2027. State and territory approvals continue to apply.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "Data centre expectations",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.industry.gov.au/news/new-data-centre-expectations-help-bring-benefit-ai-all-australians",
     "note": "Non-binding; the government says it will prioritise compliant projects in regulatory approval processes."
    },
    {
     "title": "National Cabinet agreement on mandatory data centre standards",
     "kind": "law",
     "status": "proposed",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.pm.gov.au/media/meeting-national-cabinet-26-august-26",
     "note": "Agreed 26 August 2026; standards to sit in legislation expected in early 2027, complementing state and territory processes."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The expectations release refers to developers sharing grid connection costs and supporting energy flexibility.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/australia"
  },
  {
   "slug": "canada",
   "name": "Canada",
   "iso": "CA",
   "direction": "opening",
   "headline": "Canada is funding sovereign AI compute and inviting proposals for very large domestic data centres.",
   "summary": "The federal government opened an AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program on 15 April 2026 for large AI-optimised systems built and run in Canada. It also ran a call for large sovereign AI data centre proposals over 100MW from 15 January to 15 February 2026, which is now closed. Both are federal programmes rather than permitting rules, and provincial regimes for planning and power are not covered here.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": "2026-04-15",
     "primary_url": "https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2026/04/canada-launches-national-initiative-to-build-large-scale-ai-supercomputing-capacity.html",
     "note": "Invites eligible organisations to design, build and operate large AI high-performance computing systems in Canada."
    },
    {
     "title": "Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "ended",
     "effective_on": "2026-01-15",
     "primary_url": "https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/enabling-large-scale-sovereign-ai-data-centres",
     "note": "Submission window closed 15 February 2026; projects had to exceed 100MW and serve varied Canadian clients."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": null,
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/canada"
  },
  {
   "slug": "china",
   "name": "China",
   "iso": "CN",
   "direction": "mixed",
   "headline": "China directs compute capacity to designated hubs while tightening green and efficiency expectations.",
   "summary": "National policy steers new capacity into eight computing hubs and ten data centre clusters, with demand-heavy workloads placed where renewable energy is plentiful. A 2023 plan targets more than 60% of new national computing capacity in the hubs by 2025. A 2024 action plan stresses site layout, strict project approval and renewable use, and an NDRC article reports 2026 directions on efficiency management and direct green power supply for computing facilities.",
   "instruments": [
    {
     "title": "East Data West Computing project",
     "kind": "programme",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://en.ndrc.gov.cn/news/mediarusources/202202/t20220222_1316586.html",
     "note": "Started in 2022; eight hubs and ten clusters, steering energy-intensive processing towards western regions with renewable resources."
    },
    {
     "title": "Computing power network action plan",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": "2023-12-26",
     "primary_url": "https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202312/27/content_WS658b72afc6d0868f4e8e28ba.html",
     "note": "Issued by the National Data Bureau with NDRC and others; targets over 60% of new national computing power in the hubs by 2025."
    },
    {
     "title": "Data Center Green and Low-Carbon Development Special Action Plan",
     "kind": "policy",
     "status": "in force",
     "effective_on": null,
     "primary_url": "https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/wsdwhfz/202607/t20260727_1406700.html",
     "note": "Issued July 2024 per an NDRC article of July 2026, covering site layout, strict project approval and renewable energy expansion."
    }
   ],
   "grid_note": "The NDRC article says authorities in May 2026 prioritised direct green electricity connections for computing facilities and notes a mismatch between western green power and eastern computing demand.",
   "review_by": "2027-01-01",
   "checked_on": "2026-10-02",
   "page_url": "https://computefinder.net/policy/china"
  }
 ]
}