A proposed £1.8 billion data center in Gibraltar has drawn a protest over land use and environmental concerns; the campus is estimated to require 250 megawatts at full buildout, MercoPress reported.
MercoPress reported a turnout exceeding 400 at Casemates Square on Saturday. The march ended at Convent Place, where the crowd gave Economic Development Minister Sir Joe Bossano a letter outlining its grievances. The demonstration also reflected concerns about the pace of construction, housing and government accountability, according to the outlet.
Pelagos Data Centres has sought planning approval for a campus on reclaimed land at the Port of Gibraltar, MercoPress reported. The proposed development is divided into five phases running from 2027 to 2033. Gibraltar’s government backs the project as a major economic development, the outlet said.
Pelagos has said the facility would not use Gibraltar’s existing power infrastructure and has described renewable energy as part of its plans, MercoPress reported. The Environmental Safety Group and other community groups want an independent review and more detail on emissions, fuel supplies and land use. MercoPress also noted that data centers can provide construction work while requiring relatively few permanent employees once operating.
