Greenpeace protests data center impact in Switzerland

On November 6, Greenpeace activists set up a 676-square-meter banner near a data center construction site in Beringen, Switzerland. The banner, measuring 26 meters by 26 meters, features a message criticizing tech giants for their consumption of water, electricity, and data. The organization is demanding a moratorium on new large-scale data center projects until binding regulations are in place.

The data center, developed by US-based STACK Infrastructure, is one of two planned facilities in Beringen. Greenpeace estimates that together, they could consume one and a half times the annual electricity used by the entire canton of Schaffhouse. The organization is also concerned about the water needed for server cooling and the utilization of residual heat from these installations.

Greenpeace is calling for greater transparency regarding the resources used and the economic and social benefits of these projects. The organization claims that the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, is having a significant environmental impact. They are advocating for binding rules to regulate energy consumption, water usage, and local population impacts.

The protest in Switzerland is part of a larger European mobilization, with actions taking place in 16 countries. In Amsterdam, over 100 activists entered a Microsoft-related data center construction site on November 6. Similar protests are being organized by environmental and digital rights groups under the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" campaign.

The debate over data center construction is intensifying in Europe, with a focus on implantation conditions. Key considerations include the availability of decarbonized electricity, water efficiency, residual heat reuse, and transparency on energy needs. The goal is to balance digital capacity development with resource protection and local interests.

Tech companies view data centers as essential for digital service development and economic competitiveness. However, environmental associations warn about the risks of pressure on electrical networks, water resources, and land use. The Swiss protest highlights the growing concern over the environmental impact of data centers and the need for sustainable solutions.

The issue of data center sustainability is becoming increasingly important as investments in digital infrastructure accelerate. With the demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing on the rise, finding a balance between digital development and environmental protection is crucial. Greenpeace and other organizations are pushing for stricter regulations to ensure that data centers operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

Key points

• Greenpeace demands a moratorium on new large-scale data center projects until binding regulations are in place.