# Bikers and Bug-Lovers Join Forces to Fight a New Google Data Center

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/bikers-and-bug-lovers-join-forces-to-fight-a-new-google-data-center/
- Published: 2026-11-09T08:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T08:35:22+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/bug-activists-and-biker-gang-members-are-teaming-up-to-protest-data-centers/
- Topics: Elections, Entertainment, Europe, Music, Politics, World

## Key points

- Local groups have united against Google’s proposed Thurrock data centre.
- Campaigners cite wildlife loss and up to 570,000 tonnes of annual emissions.
- Google says its plans include habitat protection and renewable energy funding.

## Summary

Conservationists, environmental campaigners and a motorcycle club have joined forces to oppose Google’s proposed data centre campus in Thurrock, arguing it would damage wildlife habitat, increase emissions and remove a racing venue. Their campaign reflects wider public resistance to data centre projects as demand for computing power grows, while the UK government seeks investment in AI infrastructure.

Google bought the site through a subsidiary in 2023 and applied for planning permission the following year. Of about 1,000 public submissions to the planning authority, only one supported the project, though Thurrock Council says many came from outside the area. Campaigners cite possible emissions of up to 570,000 tonnes a year; Google says it plans to improve biodiversity, fund renewable energy and become carbon-neutral by 2030.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.