Amazon Moves Ahead With Santiago Data Centre After Chile Residents Lose Legal Challenge

Chilean environmental regulators have approved Amazon Web Services' plan to build a data centre on the northern outskirts of Santiago, rejecting a local challenge over potential ecological and community impacts. Residents had argued the permit failed to account for a high-voltage power line needed to support the facility, but authorities ruled in early April that such infrastructure should be evaluated separately.

The site, located about 8 km north of downtown Santiago, is set to become part of AWS's third major Latin American hub, following facilities in São Paulo and central Mexico. AWS has committed over $4 billion to develop and operate infrastructure in Chile over the next 15 years, citing strong fibre connectivity and government support under President Jose Antonio Kast, who has pushed to streamline investment approvals.

Local residents, including community member Patricio Hernandez, expressed concern the development would destroy a green recreational space and disrupt daily life. AWS Southern Cone technology chief Rafael Mattje said the facility is designed for minimal energy and water use, in line with the company's global sustainability standards.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with the facility projected to operate for 30 years. The Chilean environmental authority confirmed the decision is final, and no further appeals are pending.