Equinix faces challenge to Cape Town data centres over environmental concerns
May 18, 2026
Equinix faces challenge to Cape Town data centres over environmental concerns
A plan by U.S.-listed Equinix to build two large data centres in Cape Town has been met with a formal planning objection from campaigners who say the project should not be approved without full disclosure of its water, power and environmental impact. The objection, lodged with city planners and seen by Reuters, was filed by the Housing Assembly (HA), a social movement representing more than 20 communities in South Africa's Western Cape, and UK non-profit Foxglove.
The two proposed data centres have a combined projected power usage of up to 160 megawatts, according to the document, but questions remain over key issues such as backup power generation, emissions, air pollution, noise, and even the buildings themselves. “There is simply not enough information for a decision on a project of this scale, with no substantive detail on water use, emissions, electricity demand, diesel generators, air pollution, noise or even the buildings themselves,” said Rosa Curling, co-executive director at Foxglove.
Water demands are particularly critical given Cape Town's history of severe water scarcity. The city suffered a devastating drought in 2017-2018 known as the ‘Day Zero’ crisis, when most household taps were shut off as reservoirs fell dangerously low. Campaigners argue that Equinix must provide comprehensive environmental data before officials can properly assess the project.
The opposition reflects a broader trend as technology firms race to scale up computing power globally, facing local pushback from communities worried about rising power bills, water stress, noise, and pollution.
Source: Reuters
