France faces growing opposition to mega-datacenter projects

Opposition to large-scale data center projects is growing across France, with residents and local officials raising concerns over the environmental and social impacts of massive digital campuses planned by companies such as Google and Microsoft.

In the commune of Etrechet, the mayor and his deputies resigned collectively in protest against a proposed Google data center project. The facility is expected to cover 212 hectares of former agricultural land and consume approximately 500 MW of electricity. Opponents cite several grievances, including the artificialization of agricultural land, noise and visual pollution, potential devaluation of real estate, and the risk of electricity price increases or shortages.

Critics also highlight the potential for resource predation, specifically regarding water scarcity and atmospheric pollution. While some local leaders, such as the mayor of Châteauroux, view these projects as economic opportunities capable of creating up to 1,200 direct jobs, organized collectives of residents are increasingly mobilizing against the installation of these giant digital campuses in their daily environments.