Petition: 

To: HM Government of Gibraltar, the Development and Planning Commission, and all relevant decision-makers

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Gibraltar and the Development and Planning Commission to withhold approval of any proposed 250 MW data centre until full transparency has been provided and all environmental, health, infrastructure and cumulative impacts have been independently assessed and subjected to proper public scrutiny.

A 250 MW data centre is not a routine commercial development. It is industrial-scale infrastructure that would operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, requiring significant electrical capacity, extensive cooling systems, backup power infrastructure, and long-term use of Gibraltar's scarce land resources.

Gibraltar is one of the most densely populated places in Europe. Decisions of this scale must be based on evidence, transparency, and meaningful public consultation.

Our Concerns

Energy Demand and Infrastructure

A 250 MW facility would require an extraordinary and continuous supply of electricity.

The public deserves clear answers to the following questions:

- Where will the electricity come from?
- Will additional power generation be required?
- Will the project increase dependence on fossil fuels?
- What impact will it have on Gibraltar's energy security and resilience?
- Could it affect energy costs for residents and businesses?

Noise and Public Health

Data centres operate continuously and rely on cooling systems, fans, chillers, transformers and backup generators that can create constant industrial noise.

Residents deserve independent assessment of potential impacts on:

- Sleep quality
- Stress and anxiety levels
- Mental wellbeing
- Cardiovascular health
- Overall quality of life

Particular attention should be given to the fact that Gibraltar's residential communities are located in very close proximity to one another.

Heat Generation

Data centres convert large quantities of electricity into heat that must be continuously removed.

The public has not yet been provided with sufficient information regarding:

- Waste heat generation
- Heat dispersion
- Impacts on nearby neighbourhoods
- Effects during summer heatwaves
- Contributions to Gibraltar's existing urban heat challenges

Water Use

The public deserves complete transparency regarding:

- Water requirements
- Cooling technology
- Sources of water supply
- Drought resilience measures
- Potential impacts on Gibraltar's water resources

Electronic Waste and Hazardous Materials

Data centres generate significant quantities of electronic waste through the replacement of servers, batteries, networking equipment and associated infrastructure.

The public should be informed about:

- Long-term waste management plans
- Disposal arrangements
- Recycling commitments
- Management of hazardous materials

Backup Generators and Air Quality

The number, capacity and operating requirements of emergency generators must be disclosed.

Residents deserve information regarding:

- Emissions
- Fuel storage
- Noise impacts
- Emergency response procedures

Land Use

Gibraltar's land is one of its most limited and valuable resources.

Land allocated to major industrial infrastructure cannot also be used for:

- Housing
- Community facilities
- Recreation
- Green space
- Biodiversity enhancement

The long-term opportunity cost of dedicating such a significant area to data-centre infrastructure must be fully evaluated.

Economic and Community Benefits

Before approval is considered, the public should be provided with a transparent assessment of:

- Permanent jobs created
- Local employment opportunities
- Skills development benefits
- Economic contribution
- Community benefits

Any claimed benefits must be demonstrated to be proportionate to the environmental, health and infrastructure impacts.

Our Key Demands

We call for no approval to be granted until the following have been completed and published in full:

1. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment.
2. A cumulative impacts assessment examining the combined effects of this proposal alongside existing and planned developments in Gibraltar.
3. Independent noise modelling and assessment.
4. A public health impact assessment.
5. Heat generation and cooling impact studies.
6. Detailed electricity demand and grid impact assessments.
7. Water consumption and supply assessments.
8. Electronic waste and hazardous materials management plans.
9. Air quality and generator emissions assessments.
10. Full public consultation with adequate time for public review and response.

 Our Position

We are not asking decision-makers to approve or reject this proposal without evidence.

We are asking that no approval be granted until the public has access to complete information, independent assessments have been undertaken, cumulative impacts have been properly evaluated, and the proposal has undergone the level of scrutiny that a development of this scale demands.

Transparency, accountability and informed decision-making must come before approval.

Sign this petition to ensure that Gibraltar's land, resources, environment, public health and future development are not committed to a project of this magnitude without proper assessment, full disclosure and meaningful public scrutiny.