Protests against Microsoft: Environmental activists are calling for a new course in NRW!

Protests against Microsoft: Environmental activists are calling for a new course in NRW!

Microsoft recently organized a conference on artificial intelligence in Cologne, to which around 1,300 entrepreneurs and experts were invited. However, a protest took place in front of the conference center, in which around 60 members of the Environmental Association BUND in yellow jackets drew attention to the challenges of sustainable infrastructure. They held up posters and flags and had an online petition with 79,000 signatures that were directed against the construction of data centers on agriculture. The protesters called for them to build them on already industrially used areas to protect the agricultural areas.

The planned data centers of Microsoft in the Rhenish area, especially in Bedburg and Bergheim, are to be created in cooperation with the municipalities and correspond to ecological criteria. BUND Managing Director Dirk Jansen expressed resentment about the lack of communication with Microsoft, since the handover of the petition did not come about. The invitation to accept the signatures of Microsoft Germany was also rejected, whereby the company emphasized that an exchange with the federal government has been taking place in NRW for months. Bergheim's mayor Volker Mießeler, on the other hand, sees the Microsoft investments as a unique opportunity for the region and rejects the federal government's proposals.

strategic plans for North Rhine-Westphalia

The investments by Microsoft in North Rhine-Westphalia are 3.2 billion euros, which represents the largest investment package in the company's history in Germany. Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst and Microsoft Germany boss Dr. Marianne Janik has also indicated that the data centers should not only increase the cloud and AI capacities all over Germany, but also offer new growth prospects for the Kohle region. These plans are part of a comprehensive AI qualification offensive that is to reach over 100,000 people in NRW by the end of 2025.

The AI ​​qualification offensive includes IT qualification programs for local companies, career orientation and placement of competence for pupils and career seekers. Another step in this process is the planned virtual job fair for job seekers and companies that will take place on April 16.

meaning of the data centers for digital transformation

The role of data centers in digital transformation is often underestimated. They are crucial for the provision of computing power, data processing and networking. According to a study, 82 % of AI users report productivity increases, and 66 % use AI to increase efficiency. Data centers enable this technological advances and at the same time open up new opportunities for business and society. In the context of the planned data centers in NRW, it becomes clear that they not only strengthen the digital infrastructure, but can also contribute to gross value added.

Overall, it can be seen that the development of data centers in the Rhineland plays a key role in the future of the region and Germany as a strong business location. The investments in AI and digital infrastructure are crucial to establish North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading AI region.