Data Center Opposition Spreads to Europe and Asia
Community concerns over electricity, water, and land use are fueling backlash against data center construction outside the US.
Public opposition to power-intensive data centers is expanding from the United States to Europe and Asia. Local communities are raising concerns about electricity consumption, water usage, and land requirements, posing risks to data center developers and investors. This resistance is beginning to cause project delays, lead to stricter regulations, and create financial risks.
In Europe, opposition has intensified, driven by the continent's densely populated countries and higher electricity prices. South Korea is also experiencing growing resistance to data centers near residential areas, even as national governments aim to accelerate development. According to research from STL Partners, this pushback has already impacted approximately $42 billion in data center investments in Europe, leading to delays and cancellations.
Across Europe, over 70 data center projects were rejected or restricted in the first quarter of the year, surpassing the total for all of 2025. Scotland has paused planning approvals for new data centers, and Ireland implemented a moratorium due to high power demand. The Nordic region is also facing constraints, with Denmark enacting emergency legislation placing data centers last in line for grid power applications. Spain has proposed new rules requiring data centers to source 80% of their electricity from renewables.
Key concerns include water usage, electricity consumption, energy costs, and the significant land footprint of these facilities. There is also ongoing debate about the number of permanent jobs created by the sector and the economic value generated per megawatt. Despite the pushback, the demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, creating a tension between governmental AI ambitions and local resistance.