Google seeks to revive US$ 200 million data center in Cerrillos

Google is attempting to revive its US$ 200 million data center project in Cerrillos, Chile, through a technical redesign that utilizes air cooling. The company, operating via its subsidiary Inversiones y Servicios Dataluna Ltda., has submitted a request to the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) to classify the initiative as a “new project” to avoid a full environmental impact assessment.

Local environmental groups, including the Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales (OLCA) and the Movimiento Socioambiental Comunitario por el Agua y el Territorio (MOSACAT), are challenging this move. They argue that the project should undergo rigorous formal evaluation, citing concerns over transparency, emissions, and the protection of local wetlands. This follows a 2024 decision where the original proposal was stalled due to high water consumption concerns.