Google unveils $6.8 billion UK push with new AI data centre, jobs

Anabelle Colaco
17 Sep 2025, 16:43 GMT+10

Google pledged 5 billion pounds (US$6.8 billion) in fresh investments in Britain, unveiling the plan just a few days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit begins, where billions of dollars in new economic deals are expected
The U.S. tech giant said the package includes the launch of a new data centre at Waltham Cross, north of London, to help meet rising demand for its AI-driven services, from Google Cloud and Maps to Workspace
The facility will use air-cooling systems to cut water consumption and recycle heat for nearby homes and businesses

LONDON, U.K.: Google pledged 5 billion pounds (US$6.8 billion) in fresh investments in Britain, unveiling the plan just a few days before U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit began, where billions of dollars in new economic deals are expected.

The U.S. tech giant said the package includes the launch of a new data centre at Waltham Cross, north of London, to help meet rising demand for its AI-driven services, from Google Cloud and Maps to Workspace. The facility will use air-cooling systems to cut water consumption and recycle heat for nearby homes and businesses. This is part of Google's broader goal of running its UK operations on 95 percent carbon-free energy by 2026.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves called the commitment "a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US." Google estimated its investment would generate 8,250 jobs annually at British businesses.

The announcement bolsters Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, which has been courting private investment to revive growth and strengthen its standing in the polls. It also underscores closer economic ties with Washington, as U.S. officials said Trump's visit would coincide with over $10 billion in new deals.

Alongside the data centre, Google disclosed a partnership with Shell to stabilise Britain's power grid and advance the country's clean energy transition.

The investment comes at a politically sensitive moment, positioning Google not just as a driver of AI adoption but as a high-profile participant in Britain's economic and environmental ambitions.