Microsoft Pledges to Consider Local Communities' Interests in Data Center Construction

Amid growing criticism of major tech companies for large-scale data center construction to support AI infrastructure, Microsoft has announced new principles for engaging with local communities. At the Microsoft Build conference in San Francisco, CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the company’s commitment to securing approval from residents in regions where new facilities are planned.

Key commitments include reducing water and electricity consumption and ensuring that construction does not lead to higher tariffs for local residents. Microsoft also pledged to invest in social projects, such as training AI specialists and supporting non-profit organizations. Special attention is given to job creation and increasing tax revenues for regional budgets.

Nadella highlighted that the company is already implementing innovative solutions in its data centers, such as the Fairwater cooling system, which consumes as much water as a small café. However, activists protesting outside the conference expressed skepticism about corporations' long-term commitment to regional well-being. They argued that data center construction has already driven up electricity prices in some rural areas of the U.S.

Microsoft continues to expand its infrastructure: over the past 18 months, the company has added more capacity than in the first decade of its Azure cloud service. New data centers are emerging not only in the U.S. but also in Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. Nadella stressed that the industry must take sustainability and local community interests seriously.