Fuss about Google’s mega data center in Upper Austria

Groundbreaking ceremony at the end of April

The groundbreaking for a data center only took place at the end of April after 18 years of planning; the opening is planned for 2027. Google wants there 100 jobs create. At the groundbreaking ceremony there was talk of a maximum capacity for electricity demand of 150 megawatts. Now the newly submitted plans should cover the entire 50 hectare area. An investment worth billions is rumored. The annual electricity consumption is expected to be around 1.5 to 2 terawatt hours in the final expansion. For comparison: In May, end customers across Austria consumed 5.16 TWh.

Google itself says that a possible final expansion would have a maximum capacity of 500 megawatts. Further questions about the project’s key data, annual electricity consumption, expected jobs or investment amount were not mentioned. “The demand for our services is increasing, so the infrastructure must also be expanded. We currently have no timetable for further news,” it said in response to an APA request.

Political excitement in Upper Austria

In Upper Austria, the news is causing a stir in state politics. The Green State Councilor Stefan Kaineder criticized land consumption in “the most fertile farmland” and pointed out that data centers do not fall within the scope of the EIA law. “I think that’s problematic. The EIA authority (which is part of his department, note) doesn’t have any official information about the project,” said Kaineder and demanded that “the environmental impacts of this project be examined very carefully” and that “the population should finally be informed transparently.”

SPÖ State Councilor Martin Winkler Although the project was called “a great economic opportunity for Upper Austria”, it should not jeopardize the electricity supply of the population and existing businesses. The Environmental protection organization WWF calls for strict environmental regulations because “after all, it is one of the largest soil and energy-wasting projects in the country,” says WWF soil protection spokesman Simon Pories. Greenpeace sees the project as a “frontal attack on climate goals and security of supply.”

Rally planned

The “Citizens’ Initiative at the Data Center Kronstorf” announced a rally at the construction site on July 17th at 3 p.m. What is required, among other things, is the “unconditional disclosure of all contracts and deals between politicians and tech companies from day one, as well as honest overall reviews of noise, traffic and network security” as well as protection against noise and the effects of waste heat.