Google’s $1 Billion AI Data Centre Set to Land in Hertfordshire

Google has recently revealed its plans to invest $1 billion in a new data centre located in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. This 33-acre site is expected to provide essential compute capacity to businesses across the UK, supporting AI innovation and ensuring reliable digital services for Google Cloud customers and users both in the UK and abroad.

The company also emphasized that the construction and technical jobs created by this project will greatly benefit the local community. However, the exact number of employment opportunities that will be available at the centre has not been disclosed yet.

Aside from powering Google's popular offerings such as Search, Maps, YouTube, Workspace, AI, and Google Cloud, the Waltham Cross facility will feature off-site heat recovery capabilities. This means that the heat generated by the data centre can be captured and utilized by nearby homes and businesses. Additionally, Google plans to implement an air-based cooling system at the centre.

Google has set an ambitious goal to run all its data centres and campuses on carbon-free energy by 2030. As part of its commitment to the UK, the company highlighted its previous investments in the country. These include the $1 billion purchase of its Central Saint Giles office, the development of a 1 million square foot office in King's Cross, and the establishment of the Accessibility Discovery Centre, all located in London.

In 2021, Google also laid a new subsea cable called Grace Hopper, connecting the UK with the United States and Spain. Furthermore, the company announced a power purchase agreement with ENGIE in 2022, securing offshore wind energy from the Moray West wind farm in Scotland. This agreement will add 100 MW of energy to the grid and help Google's UK operations achieve a carbon-free energy usage of approximately 90% by 2025.

Google's commitment to the UK extends beyond infrastructure investments. Since 2015, the company has visited over 500 locations in the country and provided free digital skills training to more than 1 million people. In the past year, Google expanded its Google Digital Garage training program to include an AI-focused curriculum, enabling more individuals in the UK to benefit from the opportunities created by this technology.

Source: Google - Artist's impression of the Hertfordshire site

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