Andonovski: Data Centers Will Not Be Built at the Expense of the Environment

Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski said today that the authorities would not allow the construction of data centers to have a negative impact on the environment. He stressed that no trees would be cut down and that there would be no harmful interference with nature, water or air for the sake of any benefit.

According to Andonovski, the claims raised over the issue are backward and unfounded views, driven by the desire of certain individuals to create false hysteria.

At today’s press conference, the minister announced that the possibility of locating data centers in technological development zones was under consideration, specifically in areas where factories already exist, through brownfield investments.

Andonovski said discussions and debates were underway on the advantages and disadvantages associated with constructing larger data center facilities. He assured that no investment in the country would be carried out at the expense of the environment.

The minister emphasized that every construction project must undergo an environmental impact assessment, particularly when foreign investments are involved. According to him, no harmful environmental impact will be tolerated.

Following consultations with relevant experts from the IT, mechanical engineering and industrial sectors, Andonovski said no one had expressed opposition to the construction of the data center. However, he clarified that the key issues remain its size and how the project will affect the environment.

“We will not take any action that would entail the misuse of the environment, and we will not endanger water, air or nature in order to benefit from the data center,” Andonovski said.