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.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Hong Kong Herald.

More Information

China

Section

New Mexican budget targets Asian goods with sweeping trade measures

MEXICO CITY, Mexico: Mexico's government unveiled its 2026 budget proposal this week, introducing a sweeping package of new import...

Update: China-ASEAN personnel exchanges surge, exceeding 25 mln in first 8 months

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of trips between the Chinese mainland and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian...

(SP)JAPAN-TOKYO-ATHLETICS-WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS-MEN'S TRIPLE JUMP-QUALIFICATION

(250917) -- TOKYO, Sept. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Hugues Fabrice Zango of Burkina Faso competes during the men's triple jump qualification...

Taiwan GDP per capita lead over Korea attributed to TSMC, AI boom

Taipei [Taiwan], September 17 (ANI): Yeh Chun-hsien, head of the National Development Council (NDC), on Wednesday attributed Taiwan's...

(Hello Africa) Chinese-built water supply project to benefit livelihoods in Angola's capital

At the construction site of the Chinese-built Quilonga Water Supply Project in eastern Luanda, Angola's capital, workers are busy at...

Zelensky tells West to put Ukraine first

The Ukrainian leader has slammed the EU and US for their reluctance to impose more sanctions on Russia Western states should put...

Business

Section