Google Invests $1 Billion in Eco-Friendly UK Data Centre

Google has announced a substantial investment of $1 billion to establish a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. The facility, encompassing a 33-acre site, is part of Google’s ambitious goal to power all its data centres and campuses with carbon-free energy by 2030.

This cutting-edge data centre will utilize electricity from clean sources, specifically through a power purchase agreement with ENGIE. The agreement will leverage energy from the Moray West wind farm in Scotland, adding 100MW of clean power capacity to the grid. This move aligns with Google’s target to achieve 90 percent carbon-free power for its UK operations by 2025.

The Waltham Cross facility will incorporate an air-based cooling system and feature a pioneering heat capture technology. This technology will enable the data centre to supply captured heat for use by local homes and businesses, marking a significant step in sustainable energy use.

Google’s 2023 Environmental Report highlights the company’s efforts to enhance efficiency in its data centres. These facilities, powering services like Gmail, Google Cloud, Search, and YouTube, have been optimized to be 1.5 times more efficient than typical data centres. Energy-efficient servers, machine learning for energy optimization, and smart temperature and lighting controls are among the innovations deployed.

Debbie Weinstein, vice president of Google and managing director of Google UK & Ireland, emphasized the importance of data centres in supporting the UK’s digital economy. She pointed out the necessity for technical infrastructure to back innovation and tech-led growth, especially with the increasing reliance on AI-powered technologies.

This announcement follows Google’s other significant UK investments, including the $1 billion purchase of the Central Saint Giles office and the launch of an Accessibility Discovery Centre. Additionally, Google joined forces with Microsoft, Danfoss, and Schneider Electric to establish a Net Zero Innovation Hub For Data Centres in Denmark, showcasing its commitment to sustainable tech development.