WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao should introduce strict regulations for data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure as soon as possible to prevent excessive pressure on the island’s electricity grid, water supply and natural environment, according to the Think to DO Institute.
The think tank warns that data centers and AI systems require enormous amounts of electricity and cooling capacity. On a small island such as Curaçao, it says, the consequences of large-scale development could become apparent much faster than in larger countries with greater energy and water resources.
According to the institute, Curaçao should establish its own conditions before major operators begin developing facilities on the island rather than attempting to impose safeguards afterward.
One of its primary concerns is transparency.
The Think to DO Institute points to the European Union as an example Curaçao should not follow. It says detailed information about the consumption of individual data centers in Europe is often not publicly available, partly because of lobbying by major technology companies.
Curaçao, the institute argues, should instead require full disclosure from the outset about the amount of electricity and water used by data centers and their broader environmental impact.
Questions About Data Security
The report also cautions against making assumptions about digital cooperation with the Netherlands.
According to the think tank, the government should not automatically assume that data is secure simply because the physical server storing it is located in Curaçao.
Ownership of infrastructure, the laws under which companies operate and the international networks of submarine telecommunications cables can involve several countries and private companies. This makes clear agreements on data ownership, jurisdiction and security essential.
Data Centers Should Produce Their Own Renewable Energy
To protect Curaçao, the Think to DO Institute proposes new legislation specifically governing the development and operation of data centers.
Under its proposal, data centers would be required to generate their own renewable energy using sources such as solar, wind or ocean energy. This would reduce the risk of large facilities competing with households and businesses for electricity from the existing grid.
The institute also wants strict restrictions on water consumption. Drinking water and groundwater should not be permitted for cooling data centers.
Location would also be regulated. The think tank argues that data centers should not be constructed directly along Curaçao’s coastline or in protected natural areas.
Environmental safeguards should further ensure that heated cooling water cannot be discharged in a way that damages Curaçao’s coral reefs or surrounding marine ecosystems.
The proposed rules would extend to electronic waste. Old servers, computer equipment, batteries and other components should not be allowed to end up at Curaçao’s local landfill. Instead, operators would be responsible for exporting obsolete equipment for appropriate recycling abroad.
The Think to DO Institute’s warning comes as governments and businesses worldwide increasingly invest in computing capacity needed to support artificial intelligence and other digital services.
For Curaçao, the institute argues, attracting such investment should not come at the expense of essential resources. It says establishing clear rules before the sector expands would allow the island to benefit from digital development while protecting its electricity supply, water resources and environment.