Google is proceeding with plans to build its Teros data center in Uruguay, the company’s second data center in Latin America. The organization is seeking the environmental permits needed for the development.
After initially announcing plans in 2020, Google purchased 30 hectares for construction at the Parque de las Ciencias free trade zone in Uruguay in May 2021.
Until recently, not much had transpired with the project. The company needed the preliminary environmental authorization (AAP), so it provided the Environmental Impact Study and Project Document.
Commencement date for the Teros data center
Construction is expected to begin in March 2024, according to current plans.
Alvaro Delgado, the Secretary of the Presidency, said that in relation to the advancement of innovation, technology, and the digital economy, Uruguay considers this to be extremely positive.
As an outcome of the tremendous developments in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, as well as big data, the announcement, according to Delgado, places Uruguay in an ideal position. Uruguay will take advantage of the opportunity to attract investments in the dynamic and expanding data storage market.
Why the proposed project was in doubt
After severe droughts in Uruguay in July 2023, the proposed Teros data center was beginning to come into doubt. The government and Google were having difficulties agreeing on how to use the potable water supply. The amount of water expected to be used is up to 7.6 million liters per day for cooling the building.
Since then, the company has reduced the scope of the job. It has also redefined the data center’s size, switching to an air cooling system.
It is said that the confirmation comes after Alvaro Delgado, the Secretary of the Presidency, met with Omar Paganini, the Minister of Industry and Commerce. He also met with Robert Bouvier, the Minister of the Environment. A Google representative in attendance was Eleonora Rabinovich, who handles government relations and public policy for Hispanoamerica. Tamar Colodenco was also in attendance. He is the manager of government relations and public policy at the Southern Cone.
