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Activists across Europe prepare two days of protests against datacentres
More than 100 campaign groups are holding two days of protests against datacentre developments in 15 countries, calling for a pause on large projects. The demonstrations reflect growing concern that the facilities supporting artificial intelligence carry environmental and social costs for nearby communities.
Actions include protests in Warsaw, Dublin, Denmark, Amsterdam and east London, with organisers expecting anything from a handful of people to several hundred at larger events. Research cited in the article projects that AI datacentre emissions could be six times higher by 2030 than in 2023; in the UK, 315 datacentres are waiting to connect to the grid, with demand totalling 73GW against peak national demand of 45GW. The technology industry says datacentres create jobs and support economic growth.
In short
- More than 100 groups plan protests in 15 countries.
- Campaigners want a halt to large datacentre projects.
- UK grid queue represents 73GW of datacentre demand.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A temporary pause on large datacentre projects could give governments time to assess their combined demands on electricity, emissions, water and nearby communities before approving more capacity. Campaigners argue that rapid AI growth risks imposing local costs without adequate safeguards, while the projected grid demand makes careful planning a matter of public interest.
The case against
Delaying datacentre construction could constrain infrastructure that supports AI and other digital services, as well as jobs and wider economic growth. Supporters can argue that investment should continue under effective environmental and planning rules, rather than a broad pause that may slow useful technology and economic opportunities.
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