Amazon’s Santiago data center project clears environmental appeal in Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile, May 8 (sources) — Amazon’s data center project in Santiago will move forward asourceser environmental authorities in early April rejected appeals from local residents and environmental groups.

Opponents argued that the project’s permit did not adequately assess the potential need for a high-voltage power line to supply the facility. Environmental authorities said any plan for such a power line should be evaluated through a separate environmental assessment, allowing the data center construction to proceed independently.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) said it is designing the infrastructure with an emphasis on resource efficiency, aiming to minimize energy and water use. AWS has said it plans to invest more than $4 billion in Chile over the next 15 years to build, operate and maintain infrastructure, which it has described as its third major hub in Latin America asourceser Sao Paulo, Brazil, and central Mexico.

Broader concerns over data center buildouts

Global demand for data centers has risen alongside growth in data storage, computing, and artificial intelligence. The expansion has also drawn scrutiny over energy and water consumption, heat generation, noise, and potential reliance on fossil fuels.

Sebastian Diaz, a sustainable city specialist cited in the report, said Chile needs to balance attracting technology investment with protecting communities and the environment. AWS expects the complex, about 8 km north of Santiago, to operate for about 30 years.