In conversation with RTL on Monday, Paul Konsbruck, CEO of LuxConnect, which builds and operates high-security data centres and digital infrastructure, addressed criticism surrounding the planned Google data centre in Bissen, outlining its scale, energy demands, and potential impact on Luxembourg.
Konsbruck explained that the planned Google data centre in Luxembourg would be significantly larger than current infrastructure in the country. While LuxConnect operates around 30 megawatts of capacity, the Google facility could reach up to 100 megawatts, he said.
Such a data centre would primarily support services such as streaming, email, and artificial intelligence, which are used directly by the public. This differs from LuxConnect’s model, which mainly serves companies and public administrations, according to Konsbruck.
Criticism from the ecological association Mouveco focuses in particular on electricity consumption and the issue of European data sovereignty.
Konsbruck stressed that a data centre located in Luxembourg would fall under European rules and standards, which he considers an advantage.
He explained that operators such as LuxConnect, and for example Post, provider of postal, telecommunications, and financial services in Luxembourg, are investing heavily in sovereign solutions and offerings, including data centre infrastructure and cloud services brought to market.
Google, by contrast, operates under a commercial model aimed at serving its clients globally, he said.
However, Konsbruck explained that if companies want their data to be hosted closer to their users to reduce latency, then it is preferable for that data to be stored in a Luxembourg-based data centre operating within a European legal framework and subject to European rules, particularly in terms of data protection and standards.
Another criticism raised by Mouveco concerns electricity use. Data centres rely on batteries and diesel generators, although Konsbruck emphasised that these are only used in case of emergencies.
He explained that both batteries and diesel generators are there solely for situations where external power supply fails. Across LuxConnect’s four data centres, there are around 6,500 batteries, roughly the size of car batteries, and 24 diesel generators, Konsbruck said.
Electricity continuously flows through the batteries before reaching the data centre, according to Konsbruck. If the external power supply fails, the batteries immediately take over and continue supplying power, he said, adding that they can bridge the gap for around 12 seconds, until the generators start up and assume full power supply.
Konsbruck made clear that these systems are essential to ensure continuity of critical services such as banking systems or hospitals.
While the potential energy demand of large data centres is very high, Konsbruck stressed the difference between maximum capacity and actual consumption.
Using the example of the Bissen data centre, he said the installation could use up to around 12 to 13 megawatts, but would more likely consume only around 3.5 megawatts, significantly below its maximum capacity.
As a result, Konsbruck explained that figures cited by Mouveco, namely 15% of national electricity consumption, are largely theoretical and would only apply if the data centre were operating at full capacity. In reality, consumption would more likely be in the range of 5% to 7%, which remains substantial, he said.
The key issue is therefore not only the quantity of electricity used, but also its origin and whether it is sustainably produced.
Mouveco suggested that Google could rely on nuclear energy, unlike LuxConnect.
Konsbruck stated that LuxConnect has operated exclusively on green electricity for the past 20 years. He specified that, in their interpretation, “green” means strictly renewable energy excluding nuclear power. LuxConnect sources its electricity from Scandinavia, he said.
However, Konsbruck noted that Google’s energy policy and interpretation of green energy are not publicly known. Under the European Commission’s classification, nuclear energy may in some cases be considered part of green energy, depending on the criteria used, he explained.
Mouveco also argued that waste heat from data centres should be reused.
Konsbruck explained that the heat produced is relatively low in temperature and quickly loses energy during transport. He noted that to make use of it, the heat would need to be upgraded to higher temperatures, which requires additional energy.
As a result, reuse only makes sense over short distances. For example, to supply nearby buildings.
Overall, Konsbruck argued that a project like Google’s could strengthen Luxembourg’s reputation in the digital sector and create new opportunities in research, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing.
He said it demonstrates that Luxembourg offers the right conditions in terms of electricity, water, and regulatory framework to operate such infrastructure securely.
He also highlighted potential spillover effects in research and development, as well as the emergence of a broader ecosystem.
Konsbruck explained that Luxembourg is already developing related initiatives, including the LuxProvide supercomputer, plans for an “AI factory”, and discussions around quantum computing. Existing close relations with Google could lead to further synergies, he said.
However, it remains unclear whether the project will ultimately go ahead, as approval procedures have already lasted around ten years.
Konsbruck said that international companies are often surprised by such delays. He described it as unusual that infrastructure with limited environmental impact, which produces no air or water pollution, little noise, and not located near dense residential areas, takes so long to receive approval.
As a large commercial company operating in a highly competitive market, Google provides very limited information about its projects.
Konsbruck noted that the design and structure of a data centre can reveal key aspects of a company’s business model, which explains why Google remains cautious. This level of discretion, he added, is not something Luxembourg is particularly used to.
