Data centre developers risk a Wild Coast-style defeat

Data centre developers in South Africa are facing increasing scrutiny and potential legal challenges due to inadequate public participation in the development process. The recent judgments in the Wild Coast and Orange Basin cases highlight the importance of engaging with affected communities and addressing their concerns early on. Data centres are not exempt from scrutiny, and developers must adopt a credible assessment of the project’s environmental and social impacts, addressing water demand, cooling technology, electricity demand, and emissions. A participation strategy that covers every approval and engages communities directly is essential to avoid costly delays and legal challenges.