Microsoft seeks local input as residents question data centre plans

Microsoft is holding two workshops in western Jutland to gather local views on three planned data centres, but residents are unsure how much influence they will have, DR reports.

The proposed centres could be up to 32 metres high. Neighbours are concerned about the impact on nature and local communities.

Hamad Sheraz Rovsing, who handles community relations for Microsoft Denmark, said the workshops would give residents a chance to comment on sketches of the locations and explain how they would like the areas developed.

Mikkel Rytter, chairman of Bramming Local Council, brought residents’ concerns to a workshop. One of the data centres could be built near Bramming.

Rytter welcomed Microsoft’s invitation but said the company had not yet shown what the Bramming centre would look like, making it difficult for residents to give feedback. He said locals had so far had little influence over the plans and questioned whether Microsoft would listen to their views.

Rovsing said contributions from the workshops would inform the company’s further work. He added that Microsoft understood people might not yet see what options were available because the project was still at an early stage.

Microsoft already has three data centres on Zealand. The company said its experience of seeking input from local communities there had been positive.