More setbacks for data center construction projects

Resistance against massive, energy-intensive data centers is escalating, recently resulting in a scaled-back project in Norway and a canceled development in the United States. These projects, known for their significant power consumption, are facing increasing scrutiny from local communities and authorities.

In Norway, the state administration upheld a neighbor's complaint against a planned data center in Fyresdal, Telemark. The municipality had initially approved an expansion in both height and width for the facility, which was set to include six halls and associated technical infrastructure. However, the state administration overturned this decision, siding with the complainants and limiting the project's scope, according to Norwegian business media E24.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a proposed data center development has been entirely scrapped due to similar complaints and pressure. While the article does not provide specific details on the U.S. location or the exact reasons beyond general complaints, it highlights a broader trend of pushback against such large-scale digital infrastructure projects.

The article also includes brief mentions of related business news, such as an "emergency plan" to secure electricity for businesses across Denmark and a new "micro-record" for a "supercomputer." Additionally, it notes TikTok's investment in an extra data center in Finland, indicating continued global expansion in the sector despite local opposition.