Google has inaugurated a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, as part of a £5bn ($6.8bn) investment in the UK, aimed at bolstering its AI infrastructure.
The facility, which was opened by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is set to enhance the capacity of Google’s AI-driven services, including Cloud, Search, Workspace, and Maps. Its construction involved more than 250 companies, predominantly local.
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Google’s investment encompasses spending on capital projects, research, and engineering over two years, including work by Google DeepMind on AI research in the science and healthcare fields.
The investment is expected to accelerate the UK’s AI economy, improve cybersecurity, and create job opportunities. Forecasts suggest that these investments could generate approximately 8,250 jobs annually within UK businesses.
Reeves said: “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.
“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. Through our Plan for Change we are building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”
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By GlobalDataThe Waltham Cross data centre represents an investment of $1bn and was initially announced in January 2024.
It is designed to supply essential computing resources to businesses across the UK, supporting AI innovation. This will ensure reliable digital services for Google Cloud clients and general users, both domestically and internationally.
The data centre is equipped with advanced air-cooling technology to minimise water usage exclusively for domestic purposes and supports off-site heat recovery. This capability allows excess heat from the facility to be diverted for use in local homes, schools, and businesses at no additional cost.
Alphabet and Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat said: “With today’s announcement, 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.
“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.”
Concurrently, Google has appointed Shell Energy Europe as its 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Manager in the UK. Shell will manage a power portfolio to address clean energy supply fluctuations, utilising battery storage systems.
In parallel developments, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, reached a $3tn market capitalisation yesterday (15 September). This milestone follows a recent court ruling by Judge Amit Mehta addressing Google’s online search practices.
While mandating increased competition by data sharing, the ruling did not require Alphabet to divest its Chrome browser or discontinue payments for search engine inclusion deals. Consequently, Alphabet’s stock value rose over 4%, placing it alongside Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft in achieving this valuation level.
