Opposition grows to Google data center project near Châteauroux
Residents and environmental opponents are mobilizing against Google’s proposed XXL data center near Châteauroux in the Indre region. They cite the project’s consumption of electricity and cooling water, its footprint across about 250 hectares of farmland, and a lack of local consultation, while Google and Châteauroux Métropole emphasize the prospect of thousands of jobs.
Opposition to Google’s proposed data center at Aïtre-Ruché, near Châteauroux, is expanding beyond the immediate community. Residents argue that the project would occupy roughly 250 hectares of agricultural land and place additional demands on electricity and water resources at a time when local rivers are already running low.
Critics also object to what they describe as insufficient consultation and to the French state making the area a national priority without adequately involving local residents. A Green member of the European Parliament joined the mobilization, warning that the project could amount to the appropriation of energy, water and land for the benefit of American multinationals. Google and Châteauroux Métropole defend the development by pointing to the creation of thousands of local jobs.