Google expands Kronstorf data center in Austria, sparking political and environmental debate

Google has submitted plans to enlarge its data centre in Kronstorf, Upper Austria, to cover the entire 50‑hectare site. The proposed expansion would make the facility up to two‑and‑a‑half times larger than originally approved, with a maximum power capacity of 500 MW and an estimated annual electricity use of 1.5‑2 TWh – comparable to a third of Austria’s total consumer demand. The project, described as a "milliard‑investment" by regional officials, aims to create about 100 jobs and is slated for completion in 2027.

Regional politicians have voiced concerns. Green state councilor Stefan Kaineder warned that the site consumes "fruchtbarstes Ackerland" and lacks environmental impact assessment under the UVP law, while SPÖ councilor Martin Winkler called it an economic opportunity that must not jeopardise the power supply. Environmental groups such as WWF and Greenpeace demand strict safeguards, labeling the project a major "energy and land consumer" and a threat to climate goals. A citizens' initiative plans a protest rally at the construction site on 17 July, demanding full transparency on contracts, noise, traffic and heat‑waste.

Google has not issued a comment on the expansion, but a spokesperson noted that "the demand for our services is rising, so the infrastructure must be expanded" and that the move reflects the growing need for computing power driven by artificial‑intelligence applications.