Google has decided to halt its $200 million data center project in Chile to address pressing environmental concerns, particularly related to water usage. Initially approved in 2020 for construction in the Cerrillos area of Santiago, the project faced scrutiny earlier this year when a Chilean environmental court partially reversed its permits. The court mandated that Google revise its application to consider the impact of climate change, especially given the ongoing water crisis affecting the capital’s aquifer.
In a recent statement, Google announced plans to redesign its facility to meet stricter environmental standards, including updates to its water-intensive cooling system. The company emphasized that sustainability is central to its operations, stating, “A new process will start from scratch.” Previously, Google indicated it had proposed a change to its original design to incorporate air cooling instead and will continue to work with local authorities on compliance.
Google data centers reportedly use around 450,000 gallons of water per day, which is equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 1,500 U.S. households, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Traditionally, data centers have relied heavily on water cooling systems to manage the heat generated by servers, which can lead to significant water consumption in areas facing shortages. By shifting to air cooling solutions, Google aims to reduce its environmental footprint while still ensuring efficient thermal management. This transition opens up opportunities for innovative cooling technologies, such as evaporative cooling and liquid cooling using non-potable water, which can provide effective temperature regulation without straining local ground water resources.
While the location of the data center remains unchanged, Google has paused its permit application process and informed Chile’s environmental regulator of this decision. The company plans to incorporate air cooling solutions in response to the court’s directive, aiming to reduce water consumption in light of Chile’s prolonged drought—now in its 15th year.
This project pause follows similar adaptations for a data center recently launched in Uruguay, where water use concerns also necessitated design changes. Google’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with local regulations highlights its evolving approach to data center development in regions facing environmental challenges.
The halted project is part of a broader initiative that includes Google’s investment in the Humboldt subsea cable system, which aims to enhance connectivity between Chile and Australia while supporting regional economic development. As the company navigates these complexities, it underscores the importance of balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship.
