Activists occupy site of Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam

Police are clearing a building site in Westpoort after pro-Palestinian activists occupied it this morning in protest to the city’s plans to build a massive data centre there, which will be leased to Microsoft.

Microsoft has acknowledged selling cloud and computing software to the Israeli military. The action was originally organised by the climate and justice group Geef Tegengas and joined by Extinction Rebellion and other groups. Other groups turned up and some stormed the site, and hung up Palestinian flags.

There was a confrontation between the police and activists this morning, according to broadcaster NOS, although the demonstration was allowed to continue after police surrounded them.

Some activists climbed onto cranes and the roof of the construction.

The €1 billion, 78MW campus is being built by Pure DC and is let in full to Microsoft. Critics say it gets round the 2022 national ban on hyperscale data centres because on paper it is three smaller data centres. According to NRC, it will use as much electricity in a year as the whole of Amsterdam.

Microsoft told NOS that it is aware of the demonstration. “We understand that this project stirs up strong emotions and respect people’s right to express their opinions peacefully. However, we do not condone actions that violate the law or endanger people’s safety.”