Where governments and grid operators have paused, capped or conditioned new data centers. Every entry is a decision by a named authority with a link to the decision itself or to a major outlet reporting it. No rumours, no forecasts.
2026-09-22 In force Zoning restriction
Prince William County ends by-right data centre development countywide
United States · Prince William County, Virginia · Prince William Board of County Supervisors
The board voted 8-0 for a zoning text amendment that shrinks and closes the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District to future expansion. Data centres outside the reduced overlay now need a special use permit decided by the board, with a 90-day grace period for projects already built, under construction or holding approved site plans.
Source: WTOP News — Prince William Co. supervisors vote to end by-right data center development countywide; Prince William County — DPA2026-00006: Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District (DCOZOD)
2026-09-16 In force Moratorium
Scotland holds planning decisions on data centres over 50 MW pending new guidance
United Kingdom · Scotland · Scottish Parliament / Scottish Government · threshold 50 MW
The Scottish Parliament passed amended motions under which planning decisions on new data centres above 50 MW will not be taken until national planning guidance is updated. Ministers rejected a formal moratorium and said applications can still be lodged; full guidance was promised by the end of 2026.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Scotland's parliament backs de facto, temporary, moratorium on new hyperscale data centers
2026-09-15 In force Moratorium
Steuben County formalises six-month moratorium on data centre construction
United States · Steuben County, Indiana · Steuben County Board of Commissioners
Commissioners passed a resolution, effective the same day, concurring with the county plan commission's recommendation for a six-month moratorium on allowing data centre construction.
Source: KPC News (The Herald Republican) — Commissioners approve data center moratorium
2026-09-04 In force Moratorium
Thailand pauses 166 data centre projects while national standards are written
Thailand · Data centre policy board (Government of Thailand)
At its first meeting the government's data centre policy board paused 49 projects under construction and froze approvals for 117 planned facilities. Subcommittees were given about a month to draft standards on water and electricity use, siting, safety and economic benefit; existing operators are to receive a transition period.
Source: The Nation Thailand — Thailand pauses 166 data centre projects to rewrite rules; DataCenterDynamics — Thailand pauses construction on 49 data centers, as it plans new regulations
2026-09 In force Moratorium
Loudoun County votes to pause new data centre applications for 12 months
United States · Loudoun County, Virginia · Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Supervisors voted 7-1 with one abstention for a 12-month pause on new data centre applications while the county revises its regulations; a permanent ban was judged unworkable under Virginia law. County staff were due to bring a formal resolution memorialising the pause to the board's October business meeting.
Reported as effective immediately; the formal resolution was still pending at the time of the report.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Virginia's Loudoun County board votes to pause new data center applications
2026-08-19 → 2027-12-31 In force Moratorium
Indianapolis pauses new data centres in Marion County through 2027
United States · Indianapolis / Marion County, Indiana · Indianapolis City-County Council / Metropolitan Development Commission
The City-County Council approved the moratorium 23-1 on 10 August 2026 and the Metropolitan Development Commission gave final approval 6-0 on 19 August. No new data centres can be approved in Marion County until after 31 December 2027; three previously approved projects are exempt.
Source: WFYI — New data centers temporarily banned in Marion County; WFYI — Indy council advances pause on data centers, sends to commission for final approval
2026-07-21 In force Moratorium
Lochbuie passes five-year moratorium on data centres
United States · Lochbuie, Colorado · Town of Lochbuie
The town adopted an ordinance preventing the processing or approval of applications to establish or expand data centre facilities for five years. The mayor described the measure as proactive, as no data centre had been proposed in the town.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Town of Lochbuie, Colorado, passes five-year data center moratorium
2026-07-14 In force Moratorium
New York pauses state permits for new hyperscale data centres (Executive Order 62)
United States · New York · Governor of New York
The executive order sets a moratorium of up to one year during which the Department of Environmental Conservation will not issue discretionary permits for new hyperscale data centres unless already deemed complete. State agencies are to prepare statewide standards through a generic environmental impact statement, after which compliant projects may proceed.
Source: Governor of New York — First Statewide Moratorium on New Hyperscale Data Centers Launched by Governor Kathy Hochul
2026-07-07 In force Moratorium
Prince George's County passes two-year moratorium on hyperscale data centres
United States · Prince George's County, Maryland · Prince George's County Council
The council extended an earlier pause dating from September 2025 into a moratorium of up to two years on hyperscale data centre development. It can be lifted sooner if the council enacts comprehensive data centre legislation.
Source: WTOP News — Two-year moratorium on data center development passes in Prince George's Co.
2026-07 In force Moratorium
Pasco approves six-month moratorium on data centre development permits
United States · Pasco, Washington · Pasco City Council
The council voted 6-0 for an immediate six-month moratorium on development permits for data centres, AI and blockchain computing, cryptocurrency mining and other high-density computing facilities. The city intends to write data-centre-specific land-use rules during the pause.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Council in Pasco, Washington, unanimously approves six-month data center moratorium
2026-05-27 In force Grid connection limit
Energinet replaces first-come connections with batch model; no new deals before autumn
Denmark · Energinet (transmission system operator)
After the pause ended on 3 June 2026, Energinet did not return to its previous handling of large connections. Projects are now processed together under stricter requirements for maturity, progress and grid-friendliness, and Energinet said no new grid connection agreements would be signed before autumn 2026 because free transmission capacity is very limited.
Source: Energinet — Energinet indfører ny model for større tilslutninger og vil først underskrive nye nettilslutningsaftaler til efteråret
2026-05-18 → 2027-05-21 In force Moratorium
Denver adopts one-year moratorium on new data centre permits
United States · Denver, Colorado · Denver City Council
Council bill CB26-0431 pauses acceptance, processing and approval of zoning permits and site development plans for new primary-use data centres and expansions from 21 May 2026 to 21 May 2027. Telecommunications-focused facilities and work already permitted are exempt, and the council can extend the deadline.
Source: City and County of Denver — Data Centers in Denver; DataCenterDynamics — Denver City Council passes one-year data center moratorium
2026-05 In force Moratorium
Lyon Township enacts 180-day data centre moratorium
United States · Lyon Township, Michigan · Lyon Township
The township adopted a 180-day moratorium on data centres in May 2026, after a 1.8 million sq ft hyperscale project there had already been approved. Michigan Public reported that at least 52 Michigan communities had enacted data centre moratoria by late June 2026, most lasting six months to a year.
Source: Michigan Public — Michigan communities are putting moratoriums on data centers. The clock is ticking.
2026-04 Rejected Moratorium
Maine governor vetoes 18-month moratorium on data centres over 20 MW
United States · Maine · Governor of Maine / Maine Legislature · threshold 20 MW
The legislature passed a bill imposing an 18-month moratorium on new data centres using more than 20 MW. Governor Janet Mills vetoed it because it did not exempt a US$550 million project planned in the town of Jay.
Source: WBUR — Gov. Janet Mills vetoes moratorium on data center development in Maine
2026-03-04 → 2027-01-21 In force Moratorium
Monterey Park extends data centre moratorium and sends permanent ban to voters
United States · Monterey Park, California · Monterey Park City Council
The council unanimously extended its moratorium so that no applications for any data centre use are accepted, processed or considered through 21 January 2027. At the same meeting it placed a measure to permanently prohibit data centres in the city on the 2 June 2026 ballot.
The outcome of the June 2026 ballot on a permanent ban is not recorded here.
Source: City of Monterey Park — City Council Places Data Center Prohibition on June 2 Ballot
2026-03-02 → 2026-06-03 Expired Grid connection limit
Energinet pauses new transmission grid connection agreements
Denmark · Energinet (transmission system operator)
The state grid operator stopped signing new grid connection agreements for three months and lengthened processing times, pointing to the scale of requests from very large consumers including data centres, batteries and Power-to-X plants. Projects that already held a signed agreement were not affected.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Danish grid operator introduces three-month moratorium for new grid connections; Energinet — Energinet indfører ny model for større tilslutninger
2026-02-24 In force Permit regime
Malaysia confirms new non-AI data centre applications have been stopped
Malaysia · Government of Malaysia (Prime Minister)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament that new data centre applications unrelated to high technology and AI had already been stopped for almost two years, while AI-related projects are approved more readily. The statement confirmed an informal screening criterion applied since around 2024.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Proposals for non-AI data centers rejected for almost two years, says Malaysian PM
2026-01-13 → 2027-01 In force Moratorium
Madison pauses zoning approvals for data centres over 10,000 sq ft
United States · Madison, Wisconsin · Madison Common Council
The council approved a temporary moratorium on zoning approvals for new data centres larger than 10,000 square feet where the data centre is the principal use. It can last up to one year while the city writes zoning rules, which it must adopt by 24 January 2027.
Source: City of Madison — Temporary Data Center Moratorium
2026 Proposed Grid connection limit
AEMC draft rule sets technical connection standards for data centres of 30 MW or more
Australia · Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) · threshold 30 MW
The draft rule would define large inverter-based loads, including data centres, at a 30 MW threshold in the National Electricity Rules and require them to ride through voltage and frequency disturbances instead of disconnecting. Stakeholder feedback was sought until 7 May 2026 before the standards are finalised.
Source: AEMC — AEMC proposes new grid standards for data centre connections
2025-12-12 In force Grid connection limit
CRU Large Energy Users connection policy for new data centres (CRU/2025236)
Ireland · Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
The policy applies only to data centres. Sites of 10 MVA or more must provide on-site or nearby dispatchable generation and/or storage matching their import capacity that takes part in the wholesale market, sites between 1 MVA and 10 MVA must provide an equivalent autoproducer unit, and connected data centres must cover at least 80% of annual demand with additional Irish renewable generation after a six-year glide path. System operators may refuse applications in constrained locations.
Source: CRU — Large Energy Users Connection Policy, Decision Paper CRU/2025236
2025-12-01 → 2026-03-31 In force Permit regime
Second Data Centre Call for Application (DC-CFA2) offers at least 200 MW
Singapore · Economic Development Board (EDB) and IMDA
The second allocation round makes at least 200 MW of new data centre capacity available, with more possible for projects using novel green energy pathways. Proposed facilities must be best-in-class for energy and IT efficiency and at least 50% powered by eligible green energy; the application window closed on 31 March 2026.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Singapore opens call to develop 200MW of data center capacity
2025-11 In force Permit regime
Johor halts approvals for Tier 1 and Tier 2 data centres over water use
Malaysia · Johor · Johor State Housing and Local Government Committee
The chairman of Johor's housing and local government committee said the state will no longer approve Tier 1 and Tier 2 data centres because of their water consumption. New projects must source reclaimed water, keep distance from residential and commercial zones and pass five levels of vetting covering water, power and environmental criteria.
Source: W.Media — Johor stops approving Tier 1 and Tier 2 data centers due to water 'overuse'
2025-10 In force Tax or tariff change
Finland moves data centres to the general electricity tax category
Finland · Finnish Government / Parliament
From 1 July 2026 electricity used in data centres is taxed in category I at 2.24 cents per kWh instead of category II at 0.05 cents per kWh. The government said it would prepare a replacement subsidy scheme capped at the fiscal cost of the former tax relief, targeted for autumn 2026.
Source: Finnish Government — Government safeguards Finland's competitiveness in attracting data centre investments; Computer Weekly — Finland government tax proposal worries datacentre investors
2025-09-16 Expired Moratorium
Troup County approves 90-day moratorium on data centre applications
United States · Troup County, Georgia · Troup County Board of Commissioners
The moratorium, effective 16 September 2025, blocked all data centre applications in unincorporated Troup County, including rezonings, special use permits, land disturbance and building permits. The county used the period to study impacts before amending its development regulations.
Status inferred from the stated 90-day term; an extension was not checked.
Source: FOX 5 Atlanta — Troup County's 90-day pause on data centers
2025-08-22 Expired Moratorium
St. Charles adopts one-year moratorium on data centre applications
United States · St. Charles, Missouri · St. Charles City Council
In a special session the council unanimously passed a resolution halting acceptance of applications to establish or expand data centres for one year. It followed public opposition to a proposed project whose developer withdrew its zoning application.
Status inferred from the stated one-year term; a later extension or permanent ban was not verified.
Source: St. Louis Public Radio — St. Charles City Council unanimously passes a 1 year ban on data center applications
2025-08 In force Permit regime
Tucson requires council approval and conservation plans for large water users
United States · Tucson, Arizona · Tucson Mayor and Council
Adopted unanimously after the Project Blue data centre was rejected, the ordinance makes customers expecting to use more than about 7.4 million gallons of water a month apply to the city with a conservation plan. Applications are public records, and users that exceed 120% of their approved volume face escalating surcharges and possible service restriction.
Source: AZ Luminaria — After Project Blue outcry, Tucson adopts rules for large water users; AZPM — Tucson passes ordinance regulating large water users after data center debate
2025-07-09 In force Tax or tariff change
PUCO approves AEP Ohio data centre tariff with 85% minimum demand charge
United States · Ohio (AEP Ohio territory) · Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) · threshold 25 MW
New data centres of 25 MW and above must pay for at least 85% of their subscribed capacity for up to 12 years, whether or not they use it, and must meet financial assurance requirements and pay exit fees if they cancel. Existing facilities are grandfathered unless they expand beyond 25 MW.
Source: PUCO — PUCO orders AEP Ohio to create data center specific tariff; POWER Magazine — Regulator Approves AEP Ohio's Landmark Data Center Tariff
2025-07-02 In force Zoning restriction
Phoenix requires a special permit for new data centres
United States · Phoenix, Arizona · Phoenix City Council
The zoning ordinance now defines data centres as a use that needs a special permit. Applicants must address health and safety impacts including power grid reliability, fire risk, emergency access and noise, and consult city staff earlier about each site.
Source: City of Phoenix — City of Phoenix Updates Zoning to Safeguard Health and Safety as Data Center Growth Accelerates
2025-06-20 In force Grid connection limit
Texas SB 6 sets interconnection, cost and curtailment rules for loads of 75 MW or more
United States · Texas · Texas Legislature / Governor of Texas · threshold 75 MW
Large-load customers of 75 MW or more connecting to the ERCOT grid must contribute to interconnection costs, disclose duplicate requests elsewhere in Texas and report on-site backup generation, which ERCOT may call on in emergencies. Utilities must set curtailment protocols for large loads connected after 31 December 2025, and the PUC must adopt uniform interconnection standards.
Source: Texas Legislature Online — SB 6 bill history (89th Legislature); DataCenterDynamics — Texas Governor approves bill mandating data centers to contribute to costs of interconnection
2025-06 In force Tax or tariff change
Oregon POWER Act creates separate rate class for users of 20 MW or more
United States · Oregon · Oregon Legislature / Governor of Oregon · threshold 20 MW
HB 3546 creates a distinct classification for large energy users such as data centres and crypto miners drawing 20 MW or more. They must pay rates reflecting the cost of serving them, sign contracts of at least 10 years with minimum payments and cover transmission additions built for them.
Source: OPB — Oregon Legislature passes 'POWER Act,' targeting industrial energy users like data centers; State of Oregon Newsroom — Governor Kotek Signs Bills to Lower Energy Costs for Oregonians
2025-05-06 Expired Moratorium
Coweta County adopts 180-day data centre moratorium
United States · Coweta County, Georgia · Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Commissioners voted for a 180-day moratorium after the 13-building Project Sail campus was proposed on more than 800 acres near Newnan. The pause was intended to give the county time to draft a zoning ordinance for data centres.
Status inferred from the stated 180-day term; an extension was not checked.
Source: Atlanta News First — Coweta County puts moratorium on proposed data center
2025-04 In force Zoning restriction
Amsterdam stops allowing new data centres and expansions
Netherlands · Amsterdam · Municipality of Amsterdam
The city announced it will no longer permit new data centres or expansions of existing ones, citing scarce space and limited grid capacity, and will revisit the question in 2030. Applications filed before 28 December 2023 or already in advanced negotiation are still handled under the earlier rules.
Source: NL Times — Amsterdam not allowing any more data centers in the municipality
2025-03-18 In force Zoning restriction
Loudoun County eliminates by-right data centre development
United States · Loudoun County, Virginia · Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
The board amended its zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan so every data centre proposal needs discretionary approval through staff review, a planning commission hearing and a board vote. Applications filed before 12 February 2025 are grandfathered if they are more than 500 feet from residential units.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Officials in Loudoun County, Virginia, axe by-right data centers
2025-03 Expired Moratorium
Douglas County imposes 90-day moratorium on new data centres
United States · Douglas County, Georgia · Douglas County Commission
Commissioners voted 4-1 for a 90-day halt on new data centres so the county could check whether such development fits its comprehensive plan.
Status inferred from the stated 90-day term; an extension was not checked.
Source: FOX 5 Atlanta — Douglas County imposes 90-day halt on data centers
2025-01-23 In force Tax or tariff change
Georgia PSC rule lets Georgia Power bill loads over 100 MW for their grid costs
United States · Georgia · Georgia Public Service Commission · threshold 100 MW
The commission unanimously approved a rule under which customers using more than 100 MW, mainly data centres, can be billed on terms reflecting project risk and charged transmission and distribution costs as construction progresses. New contracts with such customers must be submitted for PSC review.
Source: Capitol Beat News Service — Georgia PSC passes rule for data centers' power usage
2025-01-01 In force Permit regime
Norway requires data centres to register with the telecom regulator
Norway · Government of Norway / Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom)
The new Electronic Communications Act obliges data centre operators to register ownership, contact, service and energy-use details with Nkom, including the share of power used for cryptocurrency mining. New data centres must register before construction starts, existing ones had until 1 July 2025, and non-compliance can bring fines of up to 5% of annual turnover.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Norway's data centers given till July to comply with new registration rules; DataCenterDynamics — Norway plans law to close the door on cryptomining data centers
2024-12 In force Zoning restriction
Marana bars potable water for data centre cooling and requires rezoning
United States · Marana, Arizona · Marana Town Council
The town's ordinance prevents Marana Water from supplying drinking water for data centre cooling or humidity control, so developers must show an alternative water source. Applicants also need utility documentation that enough electrical capacity exists and must go through a public rezoning process with design and noise standards.
Source: KGUN 9 — Marana's data center ordinance
2024-09-10 In force Zoning restriction
Fairfax County adopts stricter data centre zoning standards
United States · Fairfax County, Virginia · Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The amendment requires data centre buildings to sit at least 200 feet from adjacent residential lot lines and at least one mile from a Metro station, with generators and similar equipment 300 feet from homes. It adds size thresholds above which a special exception is needed in most districts, plus equipment screening and noise studies before and after construction.
Source: Fairfax County — Board of Supervisors Approves New Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment
2024-09-02 In force Zoning restriction
Atlanta bans data centres near the Beltline and MARTA rail stations
United States · Atlanta, Georgia · Atlanta City Council
Two ordinances prohibit new data centres near the Beltline corridor and within half a mile of MARTA rail stations. Council members said the land should be kept for housing and jobs because data centres provide neither in significant numbers.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Atlanta City Council passes rules limiting data center locations
2024-08 In force Grid connection limit
Taiwan stops approving data centres above 5 MW north of Taoyuan
Taiwan · Northern Taiwan (north of Taoyuan) · Ministry of Economic Affairs / Taipower · threshold 5 MW
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said data centres larger than 5 MW are no longer approved in the regions north of Taoyuan because of a power supply bottleneck; the last such approval in the north was in September 2023. Taipower said data centres should be prioritised in central and southern Taiwan.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Taiwan to stop large data centers in the North, cites insufficient power
2024-06-14 In force Permit regime
Distributed Energy Act introduces grid impact assessment for loads of 10 MW or more
South Korea · Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy · threshold 10 MW
Under the Special Act on Promotion of Distributed Energy, in force since 14 June 2024, a business planning to use 10 MW or more of electricity in an area designated by the minister must carry out a grid impact assessment. Data centres are among the large electricity users covered.
Source: The Korea Times — Special thanks to Distributed Energy Act
2024-06 In force Permit regime
Johor sets up committee to vet data centre applications on water and power
Malaysia · Johor · Johor State Government
The state established a vetting committee in June 2024 to screen data centre proposals against sustainability and infrastructure requirements. By November 2024 it had rejected nearly 30% of applications, including 4 of 14 from overseas operators, partly because chosen sites lacked adequate utilities.
Source: Malay Mail — Official: Johor snubbed 30pc of data centre bids for not meeting sustainability goals; DataCenterDynamics — Proposals for non-AI data centers rejected for almost two years, says Malaysian PM
2024-05-30 In force Permit regime
Green Data Centre Roadmap ties new capacity to efficiency and green energy
Singapore · Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The roadmap aims to free up at least 300 MW of additional data centre capacity in the near term through efficiency gains at existing facilities, with more possible through green energy deployments. IMDA and EDB said new capacity will be allocated to operators that prioritise both sustainability and economic value.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Singapore to unlock 300MW of data center capacity through industry energy efficiency initiatives
2024-05 Rejected Tax or tariff change
Georgia governor vetoes bill suspending data centre sales tax exemptions
United States · Georgia · Governor of Georgia
HB 1192, passed by both chambers, would have stopped the issue of new sales and use tax exemption certificates for data centre projects from July 2024 to June 2026 and created a commission on data centre energy planning. Governor Brian Kemp vetoed it, so the exemption continued.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Georgia governor vetoes bill to pause data center tax breaks
2023-12-20 In force Zoning restriction
Decree bars hyperscale data centres across the Netherlands except two municipalities
Netherlands · Government of the Netherlands (Staatsblad 2023, 492) · threshold 70 MW
A decree of 20 December 2023 amending the Besluit kwaliteit leefomgeving defines a hyperscale data centre as more than 10 hectares of built floor area with a grid connection of 70 MW or more. Municipal environment plans may not allow such facilities anywhere in the country apart from specified locations in Het Hogeland and Hollands Kroon.
Source: Staatsblad 2023, 492 — Besluit van 20 december 2023 (instructieregel hyperscale datacentra)
2023-09-21 In force Permit regime
Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) sets PUE and waste-heat rules for data centres
Germany · German Bundestag / Federal Government · threshold 0.2 MW
The Act passed by the Bundestag requires new data centres opening from July 2026 to reach a PUE of 1.2. Data centres above 200 kW must reuse 20% of their waste heat by 2028, a requirement relaxed from the original draft; the law also implements parts of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Germany passes Energy Efficiency Act, with data center restrictions
2023-07-01 In force Tax or tariff change
Sweden abolishes reduced electricity tax for data centres
Sweden · Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) / Swedish Government
From 1 July 2023 electricity used in data halls no longer qualifies for the reduced energy tax: deductions, refunds and voluntary tax registration for data hall electricity all ended. Facilities in certain northern municipalities may still qualify for the regional Norrland deduction.
Source: Skatteverket — Slopad skattenedsättning för datorhallar
2023-03 → 2025-07 Lifted Moratorium
AEP Ohio pauses new data centre service requests in central Ohio
United States · Central Ohio · AEP Ohio / Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
The utility stopped taking new data centre service requests in March 2023 while it assessed the impact of the requested load on its system. In its 9 July 2025 order PUCO directed AEP Ohio to file data centre tariffs and lift the moratorium as soon as possible.
Source: POWER Magazine — Regulator Approves AEP Ohio's Landmark Data Center Tariff; PUCO — PUCO orders AEP Ohio to create data center specific tariff
2022-12-05 In force Zoning restriction
Chandler restricts data centres to PAD zoning with noise and notification rules
United States · Chandler, Arizona · Chandler City Council
The ordinance, adopted unanimously and effective 5 January 2023, allows data centres as a primary use only under planned area development zoning. It requires a pre-construction sound study, noise mitigation to baseline levels, annual noise studies for five years, neighbourhood meetings and limits on backup generator testing.
Source: City of Chandler — Chandler's data center ordinance now in effect
2022-07-20 In force Permit regime
Pilot Data Centre Call for Application replaces the moratorium
Singapore · IMDA and Economic Development Board (EDB)
New data centre capacity can only be built by winning an allocation through a government call for applications that favours best-in-class energy efficiency and decarbonisation. Under the pilot, 80 MW was allocated in 2023 to Equinix, GDS, Microsoft and an AirTrunk-ByteDance consortium.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Singapore authorities invite applications for new data centers; DataCenterDynamics — Singapore opens call to develop 200MW of data center capacity
2022-07 In force Grid connection limit
West London grid reaches capacity; new connections told to wait until 2035
United Kingdom · West London (Hillingdon, Ealing, Hounslow) · Greater London Authority / SSEN / National Grid
The GLA told developers that applicants for new electricity connections in Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow could wait until 2035 because data centres along the M4 corridor had absorbed available grid capacity. The London Assembly later reported that short-term fixes allowed more than 12,000 homes to connect by early 2025 and recommended a separate planning class and London Plan policy for data centres.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Report: Home building to halt in West London, due to data center power demands; London Assembly — Data Centres delay housing delivery
2022-07 → 2022-09 Lifted Grid connection limit
Dominion Energy pauses new data centre connections in eastern Loudoun County
United States · Loudoun County, Virginia · Dominion Energy
Dominion told operators in July 2022 that transmission constraints meant it could not guarantee power for new data centres in eastern Loudoun County. It lifted the pause in September 2022 and resumed connections on an incremental basis, while warning that some planned projects would face delivery limits until 2026.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Dominion to resume connecting new Loudoun data centers, but capacity still limited
2022-06 In force Zoning restriction
Frankfurt steers colocation and cloud data centres into designated suitability areas
Germany · Frankfurt am Main · City of Frankfurt am Main
The city council approved a commercial space development programme that gives Frankfurt city-wide control over where data centres locate. Operator-independent (cloud and colocation) data centres are directed to suitability areas in Sossenheim, Rödelheim, Griesheim, Gallus, Ostend, Fechenheim and Seckbach, alongside plans to use their waste heat for district heating.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Frankfurt updates its plans for environmental data center zoning; DataCenterDynamics — Frankfurt to regulate data centers
2022-03 → 2022-09 Lifted Zoning restriction
South Dublin council bans data centres in development plan; minister overturns it
Ireland · South Dublin · South Dublin County Council / Minister of State for Planning
Councillors amended the 2022-2028 County Development Plan to make data centres a not-permitted land use. The Minister of State for Planning directed the council to reverse the change as contrary to national policy, and in September 2022 the council restored data centres to 'open for consideration'.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Irish government tells South Dublin council to reverse ban on data centers; DataCenterDynamics — Dublin Council folds to ministerial order to overturn data center ban
2022-02-16 Expired Moratorium
Nine-month national hold on new hyperscale data centre applications
Netherlands · Government of the Netherlands (Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning) · threshold 70 MW
A preparatory decision deferred new building applications for hyperscale data centres for nine months while national siting rules were written. It covered facilities larger than 10 hectares with 70 MW or more of power; previously approved projects and the exempt areas in Groningen (Eemshaven) and Middenmeer were not affected.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Dutch government halts hyperscale data centers, pending new rules
2022-01 In force Grid connection limit
EirGrid stops accepting new data centre connection applications in Dublin
Ireland · Dublin · EirGrid (transmission system operator)
The transmission operator confirmed it would not connect new data centres in the constrained greater Dublin area for the foreseeable future, reportedly until 2028, while applications already in the pipeline continue. Requests elsewhere in the country are considered case by case under the CRU criteria.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — EirGrid says no new applications for data centers in Dublin until 2028
2021-12 In force Permit regime
China tells local governments to stop disorderly data centre development
China · National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and four other departments
Central government guidance instructed localities to strengthen control over data centre construction and avoid 'blind and disorderly' development. Local governments were told in principle not to offer incentives for data centres outside designated national hubs, and non-latency-sensitive workloads are to shift from the east to western regions.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — China says local government should stop "blind and disorderly development" of data centers to hit green targets
2021-11-23 → 2025-12-12 Lifted Grid connection limit
CRU direction on assessing data centre grid connections (CRU/21/124)
Ireland · Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
The regulator stopped short of a national moratorium but directed EirGrid and ESB Networks to assess every data centre connection application against security-of-supply criteria, including whether the site is in a constrained part of the grid and whether it can bring its own dispatchable generation or flexible demand. The direction was replaced by the Large Energy Users connection policy published in December 2025.
Replaced by the CRU Large Energy Users connection policy of December 2025.
Source: CRU — Direction to the System Operators related to Data Centre grid connection processing (CRU/21/124)
2020-06 Proposed Zoning restriction
Haarlemmermeer board backs policy limiting data centres to designated business parks
Netherlands · Haarlemmermeer · Municipality of Haarlemmermeer
The municipal board endorsed the main points of a policy that confines new and expanding data centres to specifically designated business parks and excludes all other land. It allows moderate growth until 2030, after which the municipality says no further space will be available for data centres; the plan then went to consultation and a council vote.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Haarlemmermeer and Amsterdam get closer to lifting data center moratorium, with restrictions
2019-07 → 2020 Lifted Moratorium
Amsterdam and Haarlemmermeer pause permits for new data centres
Netherlands · Amsterdam / Haarlemmermeer · Municipalities of Amsterdam and Haarlemmermeer
The two municipalities halted new data centre permits in July 2019, citing pressure on land and the electricity grid, while a regional policy was drawn up. The pause was lifted in 2020 with conditions aimed at controlled growth in designated areas.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Amsterdam data center pause could end 'by mid-2020'; DataCenterDynamics — The Netherlands' Hollands Kroon wants to pause hyperscale data center developments
2019 → 2022-07 Lifted Moratorium
Singapore pauses approval of new data centres
Singapore · Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
IMDA announced a temporary pause on new data centre development in 2019 because of the sector's land, water and energy use; projects already under way could be completed. The pause ended in July 2022 when a pilot application scheme was opened.
Source: DataCenterDynamics — Singapore authorities invite applications for new data centers
An entry is a formal decision, law, tariff or published policy of a government body, regulator or grid operator that restricts where or how new data centers can be built or connected, or that formally lifts such a restriction. We record the announcing authority, the date, the status and, where the decision states one, the size threshold. Sources are the decision itself or a major outlet reporting it. Planning refusals of single projects, company statements and lobbying positions are out of scope. The list starts in 2019; it does not cover Russia or Belarus. If a decision is missing or its status has changed, tell us.