Microsoft cleared for 35-hectare AI data center in France, 1,500 GWh/year

IgorCarron · x · 2026-08-25

Microsoft has won approval from the investigating commissioner for its €2 billion, 35-hectare AI data center near Mulhouse, France. The site will consume up to 1,500 GWh of electricity per year — equivalent to about 375,000 households — while annual water use is capped at 5,000 m³ without tapping the water table, and around 200 direct jobs are expected once operational. The commissioner asked for noise monitoring, though roughly 80% of citizens surveyed opposed the project. The quoting commenter joked that 1.5 GWh is "just three orders of magnitude" among friends, implying it's still modest by global data center standards.

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