The new data centre, which is to be located on a 33-acre site in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, will support AI innovation as well as help in ensuring reliable digital services to Google Cloud customers and Google users in the UK and overseas
Google unveils plans to invest $1bn in a new data centre in the UK. (Credit: Sikander/Wikimedia Commons)
Search engine major Google has unveiled the company’s plans to invest $1bn in a new data centre in the UK.
To be located on a 33-acre site in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, the new data centre is expected to generate construction and technical jobs for the local community.
Upon the completion of the proposed facility, the investment is slated to bring significant compute capacity to businesses across the UK.
The new data centre will also support artificial intelligence (AI) innovation apart from helping in ensuring reliable digital services to Google Cloud customers and Google users in the country and overseas.
According to the Alphabet company, the new investment is the latest in a series of investments that support the UK and the wider economy at large.
Google said that the new commitment builds on its investment in the offices with the $1bn acquisition of its Central Saint Giles office in 2022.
Besides, the technology major aims to operate all of its data centres and campuses on carbon-free energy, every hour of every day by 2030.
Google vice president and Google UK and Ireland managing director Debbie Weinstein said: “People and businesses in every corner of the UK rely on data centres to power helpful services like Search, Maps, YouTube, Workspace and Google Cloud.
“As more people tap into the opportunities created by the country’s digital economy and we unlock new ways for AI-powered technologies to boost productivity, fuel creativity, improve health outcomes and unlock scientific discoveries, it’s vital that we invest in the technical infrastructure needed to support innovation and tech-led growth.”
Last week, Google announced a fresh round of layoffs, impacting hundreds of employees across various teams in line with its ongoing efforts to implement cost-cutting measures.