Google has announced a £5 billion two-year investment in the UK and opened a data centre in Hertfordshire to meet growing demand for AI-related services.
The investment covers capital expenditure, research and development, engineering, and Google DeepMind’s AI research in science and healthcare.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves opened the data centre in Waltham Cross, which it says will help the UK develop its AI economy — advancing AI breakthroughs and supporting a projected 8,250 jobs annually in the UK.
This will help meet growing demand for AI services like Google Cloud, Search and Maps, according to the Big Tech giant.
More than 250 companies worked on building the facility – the majority of them local, Google 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,” said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer, 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.”
Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO, Google DeepMind, added: “We founded DeepMind in London because we knew the UK had the potential and talent to be a global hub for pioneering AI.
“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’re continuing that legacy by investing in the next wave of innovation and scientific discovery in the UK.”
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Google says its data centres are among the most energy-efficient in the world. The Waltham Cross facility uses advanced air-cooling technology to limit water usage to domestic use and is also equipped to support off-site heat recovery, meaning heat from the data centre can be re-routed and provided free of charge to help warm local homes, schools or businesses.
Google is also establishing a community fund, managed by Broxbourne Council, to support local economic development in Hertfordshire. The company is also providing direct support for local charities and social enterprises providing skills and employment services, including CHEXS, Community Alliance Broxbourne & East Herts, Hertfordshire Community Foundation, and SPACE Hertfordshire.
Councilor Corina Gander, leader of Broxbourne Council, commented: “I am delighted that Google chose to open their data centre in the Borough of Broxbourne. The Council has worked closely with Google to maximise the positive impact of the development.
“Google is heavily investing in community-based projects and is making an important contribution to the local economy.”