Google in Kronstorf: SPÖ wants to revise the EPP law

The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) has announced plans to revise the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVP-Gesetz) following concerns over proposed expansions of Google’s data center under construction in Kronstorf, Upper Austria. The move comes after SPÖ environmental spokesperson Julia Herr criticized the current legal framework, which does not classify data centers as a specific project category requiring environmental review. She argued that the planned expansion of the facility, currently in its initial phase, does not meet the threshold for mandatory assessment under existing regulations, despite potential significant environmental impacts. The controversy emerged after Google initiated the first stage of construction earlier this month with a groundbreaking ceremony. According to previous reports, the initial phase of the data center would require up to 1.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually in electricity. However, new plans submitted by Google suggest a much larger scale, potentially expanding the site to cover the entire 50-hectare area and making it one of the largest within the company's global network. If completed, the second phase could demand up to 4.4 TWh per year, an increase more than three times greater than initially anticipated. Julia Herr highlighted the environmental risks associated with such a large-scale operation, including increased energy consumption, water usage, and land impact. She noted that daily operations might involve discharging approximately 5.8 million liters of water at 30 degrees Celsius into the Enns River, raising concerns about local ecosystems and water quality. These issues have prompted calls for stricter oversight and regulation, particularly given the absence of clear guidelines for assessing the environmental impact of data centers. The SPÖ aims to integrate these concerns into ongoing negotiations regarding amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. Herr emphasized that while data centers play a crucial role in economic growth, research, and digital transformation, their environmental consequences must not be overlooked. “This should not mean turning a blind eye to the effects on the environment,” she stated during a press briefing. Google has not yet commented publicly on the expanded plans or the potential environmental implications. However, the company previously indicated that the final capacity of the data center could reach up to 500 megawatts, though it did not provide specifics on annual energy consumption beyond the initial phase. This lack of transparency has fueled further debate among local officials and environmental groups. Local residents have also voiced concerns, with the “Citizens' Initiative Data Center Kronstorf” organizing a demonstration at the construction site later in the day. The initiative argues that the project could place undue strain on regional resources and infrastructure, urging authorities to ensure comprehensive environmental assessments before proceeding with further developments. Environmental experts have pointed out that the current regulatory framework may not adequately address the unique challenges posed by large-scale data centers, which consume vast amounts of energy and water. They called for updated legislation that reflects modern technological demands while safeguarding ecological integrity. As discussions around the revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act continue, the situation in Kronstorf underscores growing tensions between technological advancement and environmental protection. Local authorities are expected to weigh the economic benefits of hosting such a major tech infrastructure against the need for stringent environmental safeguards. The outcome of these deliberations could set a precedent for how similar projects are evaluated nationwide.