Google is set to inject £5 billion into the UK over the next two years to bolster the nation's artificial intelligence sector. This investment includes the opening of a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, and supports Google DeepMind's AI research in science and healthcare. The funding aims to meet the increasing demand for Google's AI-powered services and foster AI breakthroughs across the UK, strengthen cybersecurity, and generate future career opportunities.
The investment encompasses capital expenditure, research and development, and related engineering projects. Google anticipates this initiative will create 8,250 new jobs annually within UK businesses. The new data centre will support services like Google Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hailed Google's commitment as a significant vote of confidence in the UK economy, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic growth. The investment also includes an agreement with Shell to advance UK energy grid stability and capacity.
