Google unveils new Waltham Cross data center in a £5 billion UK AI push

Google has opened a new data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, as part of a two-year, £5 billion investment in the UK. The investment, which was announced at the data center’s opening by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is a "vote of confidence" in the UK’s economy. It will support the UK’s AI economy by meeting the growing demand for AI services like Google Cloud, Search, and Maps.

Google said that the £5 billion investment includes capital expenditure, research and development, and related engineering. It also includes Google DeepMind and its AI research in science and healthcare. In terms of jobs, the investment is projected to create 8,250 jobs annually at UK businesses.

The new data center will power Google’s AI-driven services used by people, businesses, and public organizations. The search giant said it’s focused on responsible growth and has signed an agreement with Shell to manage its UK carbon-free energy portfolio. Shell will use battery technology to store and feed surplus energy back into the grid, helping the UK’s energy resilience, which has taken a hit in recent years due to sanctions on Russia. Another nice thing about this arrangement is that the Waltham Cross facility has been designed with advanced air-cooling technology, which will help to reduce water usage.

The co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, said they chose London for the company’s founding due to the UK’s potential as a global AI hub. He also said the UK has historically been at the forefront of technology, from Ada Lovelace to Charles Babbage to Alan Turing, and was seen as a good place to invest.

Google said that this investment in the UK will unlock “extraordinary opportunities” through technology. Building the facility alone required the input of 250 companies, the majority of which were local. Google said it will also be providing direct support to local charities and social enterprises in the area.

Source: Google Cloud