Google Unveils UK Data Centre to Address Rising Demand for AI.The 33-acre site located in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire is set to provide essential computing capacity for businesses, supporting advancements in AI and ensuring dependable digital services for both Google Cloud customers and the general public relying on products like Search, Maps, and YouTube.
Alphabet’s President and Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, emphasized that the data center represents the latest venture in the UK and the broader digital economy. It builds upon prior investments, including offices in Saint Giles and Kings Cross, a multi-year research agreement with Cambridge, and the Grace Hopper subsea cable linking the UK with the US and Spain. Porat highlighted that the facility will address the increasing demand for AI and cloud services while generating employment opportunities in construction and technology for the local community.
Google, known for its cutting-edge computing infrastructure, is committed to powering its data centers entirely with carbon-free energy by 2030. Recently, the company signed a deal with ENGIE for offshore wind energy from Scotland’s Moray West farm, aiming to achieve 90 percent clean energy for its UK operations by 2025.
The new data center will not only recover heat for local homes and businesses but also employ an air-cooling system. Porat stated that this data center is part of a series of investments supporting the UK and demonstrates Google’s ongoing dedication to the country. Previous investments include a $1 billion commitment for the Central Saint Giles office space, the development of the one million sq ft King’s Cross campus, and the establishment of an Accessibility Discovery Centre focused on accessible technology.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Google has played a role in providing digital skills training for over a million individuals in the UK and expanding its AI-focused Digital Garage curriculum to meet the rising demand for technology skills.
Google’s announcement follows Microsoft’s confirmation of a £2.5 billion data center in the UK last November, overcoming regulatory challenges associated with its £55 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. This investment marks the largest in Microsoft’s 40-year history in the country and involves the expansion of its UK AI infrastructure across locations in London and Cardiff, with potential future expansion into northern England. The goal is to meet the growing demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable AI-specific computing power.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt expressed confidence in the UK as a tech hub of Europe, with an ecosystem surpassing the combined worth of Germany and France. He views these investments as a testament to the UK’s status as a science superpower.