Green Party leaders across the UK, Ontario, New Zealand, and Scotland have called for temporary bans on new data centers, citing environmental concerns over water and energy use, while governments resist, arguing such projects are vital for economic growth.
UK Greens Push for Moratorium Amid Drought and Energy Fears
Government officials countered that halting approvals would harm jobs and national security, with a spokesman warning it would be a disaster for jobs and national security.
The Greens also criticized the lack of environmental assessments for the government’s Delivering AI growth zones strategy, external,
which classifies data centers as critical infrastructure. Data centers in the UK currently do not report water usage, raising transparency concerns.
Ontario Greens Urge Pause as Municipalities Resist Expansion
In Ontario, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and local activists demanded a moratorium on AI data centers, arguing they drain municipal water and energy resources without safeguards. Schreiner accused corporations of benefiting from local water meant for communities,
while Water Watchers’ Ilham Abdulkadir warned that data centers have an enormous thirst for water
that strains public systems.
Ontario’s government defended its stance, stating that no digital infrastructure project will proceed without contributing to the local economy and paying full energy costs. A ministry spokesperson emphasized that legislation allows blocking projects that fail to meet expectations, but Schreiner called this talk and no action,
citing Hydro Ottawa’s inability to handle the growing demand.
New Zealand’s Datagrid Project Sparks Debate Over Regulations
New Zealand’s Green Party called for a one-year pause on AI data center consents, targeting Singapore-based Datagrid’s $3.5 billion project in Southland. The facility, set to use 280 megawatts of power, would be the country’s second-largest electricity user. Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick criticized current rules for not requiring renewable energy or closed-loop cooling systems, stating, New Zealanders haven’t even had the opportunity to discuss and decide whether they want them.
The project’s resource consent includes drawing more than 600,000 liters of groundwater daily, though Datagrid claims it will use rainwater and cool air instead.
Scotland’s SNP Backs Temporary Ban Amid Grid and Climate Concerns
Scotland’s Greens welcomed the SNP’s National Council vote to back a temporary ban on massive data centers, citing risks to the energy grid and climate goals. With 24 proposed hyperscale projects, campaigners warned that their combined energy demand could exceed Scotland’s peak usage, straining grids and water supplies. Edinburgh and East Ayrshire councils have already urged a national moratorium, while MSP Patrick Harvie called for clear planning guidance to prevent a corporate free-for-all.
The Scottish government has yet to implement the ban, but the SNP’s shift reflects growing public pressure. Harvie emphasized that the issue must transcend party lines, stating, Scotland is facing a wave of hyperscale data centre applications that could have profound consequences for our energy system, our environment, and our communities.
The Greens argue that without regulation, the rush to approve projects could undermine climate targets and local resources.
As debates intensify, the conflict underscores a global tension between technological advancement and environmental stewardship. While governments stress the economic benefits of data centers, critics warn that without stricter oversight, the infrastructure behind AI could exacerbate resource crises and deepen inequities. The coming months will test whether regulators can balance innovation with sustainability—or risk repeating the mistakes of past industrial expansions.
