Hundreds protest Google data centre planned for small Austrian town

A protest involving around 400 individuals took place in Kronstorf, a town of roughly 3,500 residents in Austria, to oppose the construction of a large Google data centre. This 50-hectare facility is set to become operational by 2027, following the commencement of construction in April. Google claims the center will address growing demand for cloud and AI services, generate approximately 100 direct jobs and thousands of indirect positions, bolster Austria's digital infrastructure, and contribute to local sustainability efforts.

Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer emphasized the center's significance for the region's business and innovation landscape during its inaugural ceremony. However, residents harbor concerns about transparency regarding the project, as well as the environmental effects of cooling systems, water consumption, and their impact on the nearby River Enns.

Protest organizers Christina Gruber, a freelance artist and aquatic ecologist, and Andrea Kollmann, a 53-year-old lawyer, expressed dissatisfaction with the rapid progression of the project and the lack of transparency surrounding it. Google maintains that its data centers are among the most energy-efficient globally, but critics argue that even highly efficient facilities can consume substantial amounts of electricity and water.

The facility's first phase alone could consume up to 1.31 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to the annual consumption of roughly 375,000 households. As Europe expands its AI and cloud infrastructure, the proliferation of proposed data centres has sparked protests concerning their environmental consequences. Similar protests have emerged in Scotland, Spain, and the Netherlands, highlighting the tension between rapid technological advancement and climate objectives, as well as broader inquiries into digital governance in Europe.