Equinix data centre plans in cape town face environmental opposition

Yesterday 11:15

A proposal by U.S.-based digital infrastructure company Equinix to build two large data centres in Cape Town has faced criticism from environmental and community groups concerned about its potential impact on water, energy, and local ecosystems.

The objection, submitted to city planners, argues that the project should not proceed without full disclosure of its environmental footprint, including electricity consumption, water usage, emissions, and backup power systems.

Community organisations, including Housing Assembly, which represents multiple communities in South Africa’s Western Cape, and the UK-based non-profit Foxglove, have raised concerns that the available information is insufficient to properly assess the project’s risks.

The planned development includes two major data centres expected to require up to 160 megawatts of power. Critics warn that such large-scale energy demand could place additional pressure on local electricity infrastructure.

Environmental advocates also highlight Cape Town’s history of severe water shortages, particularly during the 2017–2018 drought known as the “Day Zero” crisis, when the city faced the risk of running out of municipal water supplies.

Experts argue that data centres, while essential for the global digital economy, require significant natural resources for cooling and energy consumption, raising questions about sustainability in water-stressed regions.

Opponents of the project say that rapid expansion of data infrastructure is outpacing environmental planning and public consultation, potentially leading to long-term ecological and social consequences.

The landowner and developers involved in the project, along with Equinix, are expected to respond to the objections within 30 days. The City of Cape Town will then have several months to make a final decision on the approval of the project.