Protests spread across Europe over AI data centre expansion and environmental concerns

More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft AI data centre construction site in Amsterdam on Friday (November 6), climbing cranes and hanging balloons. The action opened two days of protests planned in 16 countries by the Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, which wants construction paused until governments set clearer rules.

Campaigners raise environmental and security concerns

Campaigners say data centres strain electricity and water supplies, compete with housing and businesses for resources, threaten climate goals and raise concerns over jobs and security. Technology firms say they are essential for AI and cloud computing. The coalition says it is not against progress or seeking to close existing centres, but wants clearer rules before new projects proceed.

Site owner Pure Data Centres plans to invest more than US$1 billion and is backed by Brookfield-owned Oaktree. It urged protesters to leave safely and offered dialogue, while Microsoft said it respected peaceful protest but opposed unlawful action.

Planned demonstrations included events in Dublin and Warsaw, as well as a protest against another Microsoft data centre in Denmark.

Europe faces pressure to balance AI ambitions and public concerns

European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said Europe needed more data centres to develop AI, but expansion must be carefully managed to avoid soaring electricity bills, power outages and environmental damage.

The Netherlands has about 200 data centres planned, under construction or operating.

Source: Reuters