Equinix's Cape Town data centre project faces community objections

U.S.-listed Equinix has applied to build two data centres in Cape Town with a combined projected power demand of up to 160 MW. The proposal has drawn formal objections from the Housing Assembly – a social movement representing more than 20 Western Cape communities – and UK non‑profit Foxglove. They argue the application lacks essential details on water use, emissions, electricity demand, diesel‑generator backup, air pollution and noise, making it impossible for city officials to assess the project's impact.

Opponents highlight Cape Town’s recent history of severe water scarcity, including the 2017‑2018 “Day Zero” drought, and warn that the new facilities could exacerbate water stress and increase power bills. Equinix, which operates a renewable‑energy‑powered data centre in Johannesburg, declined to comment on the objections. The owners of the development site, King David Golf Club and King Air Industrial, have 30 days to respond, after which the city has 180 days to make a decision. The South African government has recently pledged tax incentives and policy reforms to boost digital infrastructure, adding a policy backdrop to the dispute.