Google is moving forward with a data center project in Kronstorf, Upper Austria, following a legal review of its environmental status. Climate Councillor Stefan Kaineder of the Green Party confirmed that a 2020 determination notice remains legally binding.
The review concluded that no new Environmental Impact Assessment is required because the legal and factual situation has not changed since 2020. While a project in Leopoldsdorf requires an EIA for its generators, Google’s 500-megawatt site is already exempt.
Economic Councillor Markus Achleitner noted the project proceeds as the federal government drafts new EIA Act amendments. Future data centers exceeding 100 megawatts, or 50 megawatts in protected areas, will face mandatory assessments under these new rules.