Google has opened a data centre in Hertfordshire as part of a two-year £5bn investment in the UK.
Opened by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the data centre in Waltham Cross aims to help meet the growing demand for Google’s AI-powered services, such as Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps.
The multi-billion pound investment includes Google’s capital expenditure, research and development, and related engineering over the next two years, including Google’s DeepMind AI research laboratory.
“We founded DeepMind in London because we knew the UK had the potential and talent to be a global hub for pioneering AI,” said Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind.
“The UK has a rich history of being at the forefront of technology – from Lovelace to Babbage to Turing – so it’s fitting that we are continuing that legacy by investing in the next wave of innovation and scientific discovery in the UK.”
Google’s investment is projected to create 8,250 jobs annually at UK businesses.
“Google’s £5bn investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US, creating jobs and economic growth for years to come,” said Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
“This government is reversing decades of underinvestment that has held us back for too long, by slashing burdensome red tape, delivering bold reforms of the planning system and investing in better tech to unlock better jobs and opportunities.”
Google has also selected Shell Energy Europe as its ‘Carbon-Free Energy Manager’ in the UK; appointed to manage a power portfolio for Google that addresses the intermittency of clean energy generation through access to battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Shell will optimise Google’s existing clean energy portfolio, storing surplus energy when production is high and releasing stored power back to the grid when production is low.
Google’s UK operations are projected to run at or near 95% carbon-free energy in 2026.
Alongside the data centre opening, Google is establishing a community fund in the county, managed by Broxbourne Council, to support local and economic development.
The company is also providing direct support for local charities and social enterprises providing skills and employment services.
“Google is deepening our roots in the UK and helping support Great Britain’s potential with AI to add £400bn to the economy by 2030 while also enhancing critical social services,” said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google.
“Google’s investment in technical infrastructure, expanded energy capacity and job-ready AI skills will help ensure everyone in Broxbourne and across the whole of the UK stays at the cutting-edge of global tech opportunities.”