Google Halts $200 Million Data Center in Chile

Google has announced a halt to its $200 million data center project in Chile due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage in the drought-stricken region. Initially permitted in 2020, the project faced scrutiny after a Chilean court partially revoked its authorization, prompting Google to reassess its plans to ensure compliance with stricter environmental standards. The company stated that a new evaluation process will begin from scratch, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. Local communities, already dealing with severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change, have expressed outrage over the data center's potential impact on Santiago's main aquifer. Google has not provided a revised timeline for the project but will maintain the original location while notifying Chile's environmental regulator of the pause. This decision reflects a growing global concern over the environmental impact of large-scale energy-intensive projects.