# Lombardy data center expansion protests and regulation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lombardy-data-center-expansion-protests
> Updated: 2026-10-24T20:13:51.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 4.

Opposition to the expansion of digital infrastructure in Italy’s Lombardy region has intensified through organized protests and the formation of regional committees. On October 3, over 600 protesters marched in Rho to demand a moratorium on new data center construction, citing concerns over noise, heat dispersion, increased emissions, and electrical grid strain. 

A regional network of committees was officially formed in Milan on September 26 to coordinate opposition, with plans for a demonstration in Milan on October 10. Public meetings, such as one in Pavia on October 6, have featured experts like environmentalist Enrico Duranti and physicist Sergio Manera to address the ‘heat island effect’. Specific projects under scrutiny include the Stack campus in Siziano, a Microsoft site in Bornasco, and developments in Certosa and Garlasco. In Pavia, local authorities indicated they would not authorize certain developments following reports of significant increases in power grid connection requests, such as at the former Chatillon area.

In response, the Lombardy Regional Council approved the ‘Second Law of Ordinary Normative Revision 2026.’ This legislation makes Lombardy the first Italian region to establish a structured framework for data center management, balancing digital interests with environmental protection. Key provisions include mandatory high-efficiency water cooling systems and requirements for renewable energy sourcing. To prevent speculative grid strain, facilities must obtain feasibility certification from Terna or local distributors before authorization. 

While infrastructure investments in the sector are estimated to reach 36.9 billion euros between 2026 and 2036, potentially creating 26,000 jobs, opposition parties continue to call for a moratorium. The Italian Datacenter Association (IDA) expressed cautious optimism, stating that many public concerns are manageable under existing tools.

## Claims

- The Lombardy Regional Council approved an agenda to strengthen transport in Lecco and Brianza Meratese. (single source)
- The Molteno-Lecco railway project's second lot will proceed as a priority. (single source)
- The Lecco-Colico line requires selective track doubling to increase capacity. (single source)
- Lombardy promoted the ‘Young Entrepreneurs for the Alps’ mission at the EUSALP Forum. (single source)
- The mission aims to foster entrepreneurship in mountain areas to counter depopulation. (single source)
- Emilia-Romagna approved an agenda for free psychological support for cardiac arrest first responders. (single source)
- The regional government must define operational methods for psychological support within six months. (single source)
- Psychological support for responders will be voluntary, confidential, and free. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Lombardia approves new regulations for data center development

Lombardy has updated its data center regulations to manage digital infrastructure growth, balancing massive projected investments with environmental and land-use concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lombardia-approves-new-regulations-for-data-center-development

### 2026-10-22: Lombardy approves new regulations for data centers

Lombardy has approved new regulations for data centers, focusing on water efficiency, renewable energy use, and grid connection feasibility to manage the sector's rapid growth.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-developments-in-lombardy-and-emilia-romagna

### 2026-10-04: Lombardy data center committees form to protest expansion

A new regional network of committees has formed to protest the expansion of data centers in Lombardy, citing environmental concerns and rising energy demands.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lombardy-data-center-committees-form-to-protest-expansion

### 2026-10-03: Rho residents protest against new data center developments

Over 600 protesters in Rho, Italy, marched to demand a moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns over environmental impact, noise, and energy consumption.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rho-residents-protest-against-new-data-center-developments

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Cite as: Lombardy data center expansion protests and regulation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lombardy-data-center-expansion-protests