Moment businessman trying to build AI data centre in village is chased away by angry localsThe Norwegian businessman unleashed on reporters who chased him down for comment.Adrian Zorzut2 min readAugust 19, 2026 - 9:56AMThis is the moment a Norwegian businessman trying to build a huge AI data centre in the Philippines was chased away by angry villagers.Daniel Stefan Robertsen was holding a public meeting in Oton, Iloilo Province, on plans for a new 10-hectare “hyperscale AI campus” when the gathering descended into chaos.The businessman was fielding questions when a local lawyer raised concerns about the 50-megawatt facility’s water usage. The furious Norwegian lashed out: “If you don’t want it, I don’t want it either. I’m not forcing somebody. If you don’t want it, let’s stop the discussion now.”Norwegian businessman Daniel Stefan Robertsen lashed out at locals. Picture: Supplied.Locals erupted into cheers and applause when the Norwegian entrepreneur walked out of the chapel where the meeting was held.Mr Robertsen also unleashed on reporters who had chased him for an interview.He was heard saying: “If you don’t have brain, just f***, go away.”Mr Robertsen represented Norway Green Energy, which proposed building a 10-hectare “WS Hyperscale AI Campus” in the picturesque seaside town.Others you may likenewsnewsOn Sunday, August 16, the local government confirmed Mr Robertsen formally withdrewn his proposal, according to reporting by The Manila Times.The meeting where Mr Robertson was confronted by locals took place on August 14, according to the publication.The meeting descended into chaos. Picture: Supplied.Mr Robertsen stormed out. Picture: SuppliedResidents voiced opposition against the AI data centre over concerns about its water and energy consumption. The local power grid is said to already face frequent outages.Mr Robertsen’s proposal comes as the Philippine government mulls the approval of “Pax Silica”— a US-led initiative to attract investment in AI, semiconductors, and manufacturing industries.The planned 1,600-hectare hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, has raised concerns over the huge amounts of water and power such facilities could require.It comes as Australians continue to oppose data centres being built near residential areas.In August, Sydney residents expressed concerns about the ecological impact of a sprawling data centre being proposed at Kogarah Golf Club in Arncliffe.AI data centres are springing up across Australia. Picture: Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty ImagesResidents say the development will impact Cooks River and lead to more noise and further strain the local electricity grid.As of June, Australia currently has at least 162 operational data centres, with another 90 or more in the planning and development pipeline, with the vast majority heavily clustered along the eastern seaboard in Sydney and Melbourne.More CoverageHouse price fear as tech giants move inAdrian ZorzutState’s $50bn data boom hits tough hurdleNathan SchmidtIn June, Sydney-based civil engineering and construction company MAK Urban Group was knocked back in its plans to erect a $4.8 million development in the heart of the Blue Mountains.MAK’s application proposes the facility on a residential street in north Katoomba, a block from a school and bordering a park.It’s about an eight-minute drive from one of Australia’s most iconic sights, the Three Sisters mountains. The centre was expected to employ up to five staff.More related storiesSocial MediaHunt for Skype’s child abuse successorSince Skype’s closure, global authorities have lost sight of where livestreamed child sexual abuse is happening, a new Australian report reveals.Read moreMilitary‘Begging you’: Jacqui Lambie breaks downTasmanian Senator and veteran Jacqui Lambie has broken down while “begging” the Prime Minister not to do one simple thing.Read moreMotoring News‘Desperate’: Aussies risk 3yrs jail for just $100Aussie drivers are risking massive fines and serious jail time via a ridiculously illegal scheme that will net them just $100.Read more