ENA Institute for Alternative Policies Workshop at ACM FAccT Conference

Our partners from Electra Energy Cooperative recently joined a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the societal impacts of digital infrastructures at the ENA Institute for Alternative Policies Workshop, held as part of the ACM FAccT 2025 Conference, which took place for the first time in Greece from 23–26 June 2025.

Hosted by the ENA Institute for Alternative Policies, the workshop titled “The Hidden Costs of Digital Sovereignty: Greece’s Data Infrastructures as a Site of Political Contestation” brought together international experts to explore the often-overlooked environmental, social, and political dimensions of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centres.

During the panel, Chris Vrettos from Electra Energy Cooperative addressed both the risks and the potential of these technologies. The discussion included critical reflections on the misuse of AI for surveillance and military purposes in various global contexts, including the tragic situation in Gaza, where human rights organisations have raised serious concerns over civilian suffering.

At the same time, positive examples were highlighted, such as the work of the MODERATOR project, which seeks to reduce the carbon and energy footprint of data centres while fostering greater public participation in their development and operation.

In this context, the recently published Guide on Community Co-Creation in Renewable Energy Projects, translated by Electra Energy Cooperative and The Green Tank, based on a report by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, was presented and discussed in relation to its potential applicability to data centre development. This guide, designed to support inclusive and participatory approaches in energy projects, was introduced as a promising methodology to be incorporated within MODERATOR. By integrating this tool, the project aims to enhance social acceptance, transparency, and community involvement in the siting, design, and operation of future sustainable data centres.

MODERATOR contributes to addressing not only the technical but also the societal dimensions of digital infrastructure, promoting sustainability, transparency, and responsibility in the face of today’s complex challenges.

More about the ACM FAccT Conference here