Data Centre Pelted with Salt and Vinegar, Called Root of Genocide

Environmental activists from the group Extinction Rebellion pelted a Microsoft data centre project in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. They threw dozens of balloons containing a mixture of acid, salt, and other chemicals at the building’s foundation with the aim of accelerating concrete decay and steel corrosion. The action took place last week but was only announced early this week. The contents of the balloons were not just ordinary water. Activists mixed acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, salt, and acrylic paint. According to a statement from the activists, the acidic substances will erode the concrete surface, whilst the hydrogen peroxide and salt work to speed up the rusting process on the building’s supporting ironwork. Developer Pure Data Centers confirmed that balloons were thrown from outside the perimeter fence, but stated that no significant damage had been found and construction is continuing as planned. Amsterdam police are currently investigating the case, and the developer plans to pursue legal action. The source of the activists’ anger is not solely about environmental impact, but also the way the project was approved. The City of Amsterdam and the Dutch government have banned the construction of large-scale (hyperscale) data centres since 2022 due to electricity and water shortages. However, the developer found a way to get the hyperscale data centre construction approved in Amsterdam by dividing the building into three separate towers, so it no longer meets the definition of ‘hyperscale’. Overall, the complex will consume electricity equivalent to almost all households in Amsterdam, as well as 420 million litres of water per year for cooling. Many residents of Amsterdam are still waiting in line for electricity connections. In a statement, Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Martijn Dekker explained the group’s reasons for targeting the site. ‘The climate crisis, the dangers of artificial intelligence, and Microsoft’s support for military operations in Gaza, which is called a genocide, all stem from corporate power and a handful of irresponsible ultra-wealthy individuals. We must unite against these anti-democratic forces.’ This action is a continuation of a series of previous protests, such as spraying foul-smelling acid on fossil fuel insurance companies and padlocking the entrance to Lloyd’s of London. Critics argue that throwing chemicals risks injuring workers and does not solve the root problem. On the other hand, the protest highlights the growing global resistance to the energy-guzzling pace of AI data centres, as well as its connection to human rights issues and policies perceived to favour large corporations over the public interest. Microsoft has not yet issued an official response regarding the incident.