Google has officially opened its new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, marking a major milestone in its two-year £5 billion investment plan for the UK. The facility was inaugurated by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and is designed to power the growing demand for Google’s AI-driven services, including Google Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps. More than 250 companies most of them local contributed to the construction of this advanced facility.
The multi-billion-pound investment spans capital expenditure, R&D, and engineering across Google operations, including Google DeepMind’s pioneering AI research in science and healthcare. With this commitment, Google aims to accelerate the UK’s AI economy, strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, and open new career pathways. The investment is expected to generate 8,250 jobs annually within UK businesses.
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: *”Google’s £5bn investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US, creating jobs and economic growth for years to come.
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“This government is reversing decades of underinvestment that has held us back for too long, by slashing burdensome red tape, delivering bold reforms of the planning system and investing in better tech to unlock better jobs and opportunities. Through our Plan for Change we are building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”*
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google, added: “With today’s announcement, Google is deepening our roots in the UK and helping support Great Britain’s potential with AI to add £400 billion to the economy by 2030 while also enhancing critical social services. 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 of Google DeepMind, stated: “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.”
Driving Sustainable and Carbon-Free Energy
Google highlighted that its data centres are among the most energy-efficient globally, applying AI to enhance energy resilience while responsibly growing infrastructure. As part of its UK commitment, the company has selected Shell Energy Europe Limited as its 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Manager. Under this agreement, Shell will optimise Google’s renewable energy portfolio with advanced battery storage systems, balancing energy supply and demand.
Thanks to this partnership and other clean energy projects including Google’s long-term agreement with ENGIE’s Moray West wind project in Scotland the company expects its UK operations to operate at or near 95% carbon-free energy by 2026.
The Waltham Cross data centre is also designed with environmental responsibility in mind. It uses advanced air-cooling systems to reduce water consumption and incorporates off-site heat recovery technology, enabling surplus heat to be redirected to warm local homes, schools, and businesses.
Investing in AI Skills and Local Communities
Beyond infrastructure, Google is also focused on equipping people across the UK with AI and job-ready skills. Over the last decade, the company has trained more than one million Britons and is a founding member of the national industry group launched by the Prime Minister that aims to train 7.5 million people by 2030.
In Hertfordshire, Google is creating a Community Fund, managed by Broxbourne Council, to drive local economic development. The company is also supporting grassroots organisations, 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.”
