Data Center Sparks Opposition Over Energy Use and River Discharge in Austria

Plans for a new data center in Kronstorf, Austria, have sparked significant local opposition, primarily due to its projected energy demands and potential environmental consequences. The facility is expected to consume more electricity than all households in the Upper Austria region combined.

Environmental concerns are mounting over the potential discharge of 5.8 million liters of 30-degree Celsius water daily into the Enns River. This substantial thermal pollution raises questions about the impact on aquatic ecosystems.

A citizens' initiative has organized a demonstration against the project, highlighting community resistance. In response, the SPÖ party is calling for a review of the environmental impact assessment law, suggesting the current regulations may be inadequate for such large-scale industrial projects.