Google Starts Construction of Its First Data Center in Austria

Google has started construction of its first data center located in Austria. The company said that the new data center should be a boost for AI capacity and regional digital infrastructure, with heat reusing and water restoration initiatives built into the project.

The tech giant stated that the data center will support growing demand for Google’s AI capabilities and digital services, including Search, YouTube, Maps, and Workspace across Europe. Once completed, the site in Kronstorf will create 100 direct jobs, with thousands more expected through construction, suppliers, and local businesses. The facility is being built heat recovery-ready, with a green roof and solar panels. Google explained that once an offtaker is identified, heat can be provided free of charge to eligible partners to support the decarbonisation of local heat sources.

Google is also establishing a fund to restore the local Enns River ecosystem in partnership with the Upper Austrian Fisheries Association, aligning with the company’s goal to replenish more freshwater than it consumes by 2030. Alongside the data center, the company also announced a multi-year collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria to develop AI education and certifications. It is also set to open a public information centre, where the local community can learn about digital infrastructure and Google’s sustainability efforts. Google has operated in Austria since 2006 and has trained more than 140,000 people in the country since 2014, including students, educators, small business owners, and developers.