Denmark confronts AI‑driven data centre impacts and surge in municipal AI‑written complaints

Researchers from the National Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society warn that hyperscale data centres in Denmark, which consumed about 2 billion kWh of electricity in 2025, are set to increase sharply toward 2050. They stress that these facilities strain the power grid, water resources and cause local pollution, noise and light disturbances, while lacking public transparency on resource use. Communities report feeling excluded from planning decisions, fearing higher energy costs and reduced property values.

A separate study shows that the rise of generative AI use among citizens has led to a sharp increase in AI‑generated letters and complaints to municipal offices. Four out of five Danish municipalities have reported higher volumes of citizen inquiries, creating extra workload for caseworkers. The digitalisation minister has acknowledged the issue, noting that the AI wave is reshaping public service demand.