Netherlands: Protesters storm Amsterdam data centre construction site

Around 100 protesters stormed the construction site for a new data centre in Amsterdam's Sloterdijk district, though organisers claimed up to several hundred had participated. Activists climbed the perimeter fence and cut an opening for others to enter. Some scaled a construction crane, holding a banner that read "Fuck AI," while others displayed Palestinian flags and signs accusing Microsoft of backing genocide.

Police encircled the protesters before the mayor ordered the demonstration to cease. Riot police then intervened, leading to several arrests.

The protest was organized by the Dutch activist collective Geef Tegengas, alongside an environmental campaign group called Fossielvrij NL. Those involved opposed the project due to its anticipated high electricity consumption, potential impact on housing plans, and concerns about Microsoft's operations. The planned data centre, developed by Pure Data Centres for Microsoft, consists of three towers about 85 meters tall with an investment of over $1 billion.

Protesters argued that the facility could consume as much electricity as all the households in Amsterdam combined, although this claim had not been independently verified.

This protest was part of an international campaign against large-scale data centres, with similar demonstrations planned across several European countries. Both Pure Data Centres and Microsoft stated that they respected peaceful protest but urged demonstrators to refrain from unlawful actions.