Google’s plans to build a large data centre in Bissen, central Luxembourg, are that little bit closer, with the fate of the project now in the hands of Bissen council.

Google has had its eye on this particular plot for a while, having shortlisted it back in July 2017. Environmental studies on the 33.7-hectare greenfield site near Mersch are now complete, with officials examining the potential environmental impact a new data centre would pose. Factors such as increased traffic, water consumption and emissions were all taken into consideration.

All that remains now is for Bissen council to decide whether the land can be reclassified for data centre use. The council is expected to hold a meeting with residents, who will subsequently have one month to appeal the decision taken by council members. The local mayor will have the final say after the initial vote.

Owing to its various digital initiatives, Google’s plans are set to have a positive impact on the area. In a bid to accelerate digital transformation, Luxembourg is keen to be dubbed a digital hub, and securing a Google data centre would give the country a much-needed push in a digital direction.