European Datacenter Energy Strategy Director

Netherlands and 3 more (On-site)
Job Info   Job Identification 7149
Job Category Business Support
Job Schedule Full time

Job Description   

Your role
Strategic Energy Leadership
Develop and execute a multi-year European energy strategy aligned with datacenter expansion, sustainability commitments, and grid-interaction goals.
Anticipate energy market trends, grid constraints, and evolving regulatory frameworks to inform datacenter siting and capacity planning.
Drive integrated strategies for energy resilience, thermal management optimization, and on-site flexibility technologies.
Demand Response & Grid Flexibility
Lead development of grid-interactive datacenter capabilities enabling participation in:  Demand response programs
Flexibility and balancing markets
Frequency regulation and ancillary services
Peak-shaving and load-shifting initiatives

Work with engineering and operations teams to design and implement load-shedding, battery optimization, and flexible load management solutions.
Evaluate feasibility and deployment pathways for on-site generation, long-duration storage, and emerging flexibility technologies.
Regulatory & Grid Engagement
Serve as a key point of contact with European regulators, TSOs/DSOs, and permitting authorities in coordination with our regional and subregional MDs.
Influence policy related to energy flexibility, datacenter grid integration, carbon accounting, and waste heat utilization.
Manage grid interconnection strategy, capacity reservations, and compliance with EU and national regulations.
Stakeholder Leadership & Collaboration
Work closely with datacenter operations, construction, sustainability, finance, legal, investments/acquisitions and public policy teams
Communicate strategy, risks, performance, and opportunities to executive leadership and external partners.
Lead a regional energy strategy team and manage external consultants.
What you’ll need
10+ years of experience in energy strategy, energy systems, utilities, or large-scale infrastructure.
Strong understanding of European electricity markets, transmission and distribution networks, and regulatory environments.

Experience with demand response, flexibility markets, or grid-interactive buildings/industry.
Proven experience engaging with regulators, TSOs/DSOs, and government entities.
Demonstrated leadership in multi-country, cross-functional initiatives.
Preferred
Experience in hyperscale datacenters or other mission-critical, high-energy-intensity sectors.
Understanding of European climate policies, carbon accounting frameworks, and renewable certification mechanisms.
Technical knowledge of datacenter electrical and cooling systems.
Advanced degree in engineering, energy systems, economics, sustainability, or related fields.
NOTES:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Digital Realty is an equal opportunity employer, EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled. All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or other status protected by law or Company policy.
Digital Realty is a publicly traded company (NYSE: DLR) with investment grade ratings from all three major ratings agencies.
Please do not forward unsolicited resumes to any employee of Digital Realty and its subsidiaries. Digital Realty is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited referrals.

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