Google has announced that it will invest $1 billion in the construction of a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. This investment highlights Google’s commitment to supporting the UK’s digital economy and promoting innovation in AI-powered technologies.
The 33-acre data centre site is expected to create job opportunities in construction and technical fields for the local community. Once operational, the facility will significantly enhance the compute capacity available to businesses across the UK, ensuring reliable digital services for Google Cloud customers and users both within the UK and internationally.
The move comes with significant investments by Google in sustainable energy, and aims to run all its data centres and campuses on carbon-free energy (CFE) by 2030. To achieve this goal, the company has secured a power purchase agreement with ENGIE for offshore wind energy from the Moray West wind farm in Scotland. This will contribute 100 MW of energy to the grid and help Google’s UK operations achieve around 90% carbon-free energy by 2025. The new data centre will incorporate off-site heat recovery provisions and an air-based cooling system to demonstrate Google’s commitment to benefiting the local community through sustainable practices.
The investment in the Waltham Cross data centre is part of Google’s wider strategic investments in the UK, which includes office expansions and the development of innovative tech facilities. The company’s continued commitment to the UK is evident in its previous investments, including the new London office, the Kings Cross innovation hub, and the Accessibility Discovery Centre.
The $1 billion investment in the new UK data centre not only reinforces Google’s commitment to the UK but also signifies the company’s recognition of the UK as a world leader in AI, technology, and science. With the increasing reliance on digital services, Google’s continued investment in the UK’s technical infrastructure is set to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and tech-led growth, ultimately benefiting both the local community and the wider economy. For more information, visit Google’s official blog.
Original Announcement: https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/united-kingdom/google-1-billion-investment-in-a-new-uk-data-centre/
