The problem. A data centre project moves on two tracks, power and water, handled by different services at different speeds. Local officials and residents hear intentions ("the capacity is reserved", "we will hardly use any water") with no quantity or date. And a slip on one track moves the other without anyone noticing.
Our answer. One dated schedule, from network servicing to the drought day: fourteen milestones, each with the evidence to request before the next step and the text behind it. For a local authority, it is a simple grid to follow a project, ask the right questions and report to residents.
A water or power commitment only counts if it states a quantity, a peak and a date.
Each approval moves forward when the evidence for the previous step is in the file.
A late milestone on water holds what depends on it on power, and the reverse.
| Milestone | Track | Evidence to request | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Network servicing | Both | Before the permit: a written statement from the water service and the grid operator saying who carries out the servicing works and by when, with the capacity and water volume involved. | Planning Code, art. L. 111-11: otherwise the permit cannot be granted |
| 2. Connection offer | Power | The technical and financial offer (PTF) from RTE or Enedis's proposal: capacity, steps, cost, indicative date. Then the queue entry date. | RTE and Enedis connection procedures, approved by the CRE |
| 3. Quantified water commitment | Water | A written statement from the water service giving three figures: annual volume, peak-day flow, first supply date. And the water source: drinking water network, raw water, reused water. | GridReadiness rule: without these three figures, it is intent, not capacity |
| 4. Direct abstraction, if any | Water | Borehole or river intake: declaration from 10,000 m³ a year, authorisation from 200,000 m³ a year for groundwater. The receipt or order before works. | Environment Code, art. R. 214-1, heading 1.1.2.0 |
| 5. Environmental assessment and ICPE | Both | Generators: declaration with inspection from 1 to 20 MW, registration from 20 to 50 MW, authorisation above. Evaporative cooling: declaration with inspection below 3,000 kW, registration above. Impact assessment systematic or case by case depending on size. Receipt, registration or order in hand. | ICPE nomenclature, headings 2910, 3110 and 2921; Environment Code, art. R. 122-2 |
| 6. Non-domestic wastewater | Water | Cooling blowdown and process water: discharge authorisation from the competent local authority, obtained before first fill. | Public Health Code, art. L. 1331-10 |
| 7. Construction power | Power | Temporary connection granted or generators declared before earthworks. | Grid operator; ICPE regime if generators |
| 8. Connection agreement | Power | The signed agreement, not just the offer: capacity, steps, availability date, terms in case of delay. | RTE connection procedure; Energy Code, art. L. 342-24 for unused capacity |
| 9. Energisation | Power | Date confirmed in writing by the grid operator, with notice agreed in advance. | Connection agreement |
| 10. First fill of the cooling system | Water | Volume delivered, water source, quality analysis. For evaporative cooling: legionella monitoring plan in place. | Heading 2921 requirements (orders of 14 December 2013) |
| 11. Commissioning and ramp-up | Both | The pivot milestone. Tests notified to the grid operator, water metered daily during commissioning, one report. Each capacity step in line with the agreement. | Connection agreement; ICPE order |
| 12. Generators and batteries | Both | Generator test schedule, fuel storage, fire requirements for batteries. Any water used to cool them metered separately. | ICPE order; fire and rescue service opinion |
| 13. Operation | Both | Annual reporting of energy and water use, PUE, WUE and ERF by 15 May (sites of 500 kW and above). Heat reused with an ERF of at least 0.20 above 1 MW, unless exempted. | Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364; Decree no. 2025-1382 |
| 14. Drought day | Water | For an ICPE under authorisation or registration abstracting over 10,000 m³ a year: 5% cut at alert, 10% at heightened alert, 25% at crisis, unless exempt. Written procedure and reference volumes calculated in advance. | Order of 30 June 2023 on drought restriction measures |
Inspired by the US model "One Schedule for Water and Power" by Mica C. Tufillaro and John C. Saylor III (November 2026), adapted to French procedures. Thresholds are those in force in November 2026 and will be updated when the texts change. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Sources are detailed on our Sources page.
The evidence to request for each, and its legal basis
To attach to the follow-up of a project by a local council
GOING FURTHER
Our experts can keep this schedule for you, check each piece of evidence on the documents and on the ground, and alert you when a milestone slips: see support for local authorities, water, noise, heat: local acceptance and the five grid filters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is this schedule for?
First, local authorities and State services hosting or reviewing a data centre project. It also helps developers and investors who want to show a verifiable file.
Does it replace official procedures?
No. It puts them in order on one page. For a specific project, the texts, orders and agreements in force prevail.
Why ask for a business email?
To know who uses the schedule and, where relevant, to discuss your project. Your data is neither sold nor shared.