- Google will scrap its initial plans for a $200 million data centre in Santiago due to concerns about its environmental impact.
- The tech giant will restart the project with revised plans, utilising air-cooled technology instead of water-dependent cooling systems.
OUR TAKE
Google’s decision to halt and rework its data centre project in Santiago reflects growing pressure on companies to address environmental sustainability. With Chile facing a decade-long drought, the use of millions of litres of water for server cooling raised serious concerns. Google’s new air-cooled technology could set a precedent for future tech infrastructure in regions affected by climate change.
— Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter
What happened
Google initially received approval in 2020 to build a data centre in the Cerrillos neighbourhood of Santiago, Chile. However, a local environmental court later challenged the project, asking Google to revise its application to consider the impact of climate change on the city’s fragile water supply. Santiago has been suffering from drought conditions for over a decade, making water conservation a critical issue. Data centres, which require large amounts of water for cooling, drew public backlash, leading Google to reassess its approach.
In a statement, Google said it will not proceed with the original water-cooled plan but will instead propose a new air-cooled solution. The company will submit a fresh application, ensuring the project aligns with local environmental regulations and addresses the public’s concerns.
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Why it’s important
The halt of Google’s $200 million data centre highlights the increasing role environmental concerns play in corporate decision-making. Tech companies, particularly those with high infrastructure demands, are under pressure to minimise their environmental footprints. As droughts worsen worldwide due to climate change, traditional water-cooled data centres may become less viable in many regions.
By shifting to air-cooled technology, Google could potentially mitigate water usage and reduce its impact on Santiago’s already strained aquifer. This move could serve as a blueprint for other companies facing similar environmental challenges globally, setting a higher standard for sustainable development.
Moreover, this development underscores the influence of local communities and environmental courts in shaping the direction of major corporate projects. As public awareness of environmental issues grows, companies like Google must find innovative solutions to balance their technological advancements with the preservation of natural resources.
