Core Insights - Google has inaugurated a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, as part of a £5bn ($6.8bn) investment in the UK to enhance its AI infrastructure [1] - The investment is expected to create approximately 8,250 jobs annually within UK businesses and accelerate the UK's AI economy [2] Investment Details - The £5bn investment includes spending on capital projects, research, and engineering over two years, with a focus on AI research in science and healthcare by Google DeepMind [2] - The Waltham Cross data centre represents a $1bn investment and was initially announced in January 2024 [4] Economic Impact - UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that Google's investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth [3] - Ruth Porat, Alphabet and Google president, mentioned that the investment could add £400bn to the UK economy by 2030 [7] Technological Advancements - The data centre is designed to supply essential computing resources to support AI innovation and ensure reliable digital services for Google Cloud clients [5] - It features advanced air-cooling technology to minimize water usage and supports off-site heat recovery for local homes and businesses [6] Sustainability Initiatives - Google has appointed Shell Energy Europe as its 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Manager in the UK to manage clean energy supply fluctuations [7]
Google opens new data centre amid $6.8bn UK investment drive