SPÖ demands revision of the EIA Act following Google data center plans in Kronstorf

Enormous power consumption planned

Annual electricity consumption is expected to be around 1.5 to 2 terawatt-hours at full build-out. For comparison: all of Upper Austria consumed 14 terawatt-hours in 2024, according to the Upper Austrian Energy Report. The maximum capacity for electricity demand would be 150 megawatts, with any potential full build-out having a maximum capacity of 500 megawatts.

In addition to power consumption, the SPÖ also sees massive environmental impacts from the waste heat of the data center. Around 5.8 million liters of 30-degree warm water could be discharged into the Enns River daily. This raises concerns about the impacts on the environment, land use, and electricity and water consumption.

"Es kann nicht sein, dass kleine Windkraftprojekte streng auf ihre Umweltwirkung geprüft werden, während riesige Server-Hallen auf der grünen Wiese ohne Überprüfung auskommen können", so Julia Herr. The SPÖ is therefore calling for an adjustment of the UVP threshold values.

Call for stricter reviews

The party is also demanding the "bedingungslose Offenlegung aller Verträge und Deals zwischen Politik und Tech-Konzernen ab dem ersten Tag sowie ehrliche Gesamtprüfungen zu Lärm, Verkehr und Netzsicherheit". In addition, protection against noise and negative impacts on the microclimate from waste heat should be ensured.

At the same time, the SPÖ emphasized that data centers are important for business, research and digitalization. "Das darf aber nicht bedeuten, dass bei den Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt einfach weggeschaut wird", hieß es.

The "Bürger:inneninitiative Rechenzentrum Kronstorf" has called a rally at the construction site for Friday afternoon. The initiative opposes the plans and calls for more transparency and environmental protection.

Citizens' initiative calls for rally

The Google data center in Kronstorf has been in planning and construction for several years. The expanded plans are now sparking renewed debate about the need for stricter environmental reviews for such large-scale projects.

The SPÖ plans to introduce its proposal for an amendment to the law in the National Council. The party hopes for a broad parliamentary debate about the future of energy and environmental planning in Austria.