Google has opened a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, part of a wider two‑year £5bn investment in the UK announced by the company.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves formally opened the facility. Google said the site will support demand for its artificial intelligence (AI)‑powered services, including Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps. More than 250 companies were involved in building the centre, the firm added, with most described as local suppliers.
The £5bn package covers Google’s capital expenditure, research and development and engineering work in the UK over the next two years. Google said the investment embraces its DeepMind unit, which undertakes AI research in areas such as science and healthcare. The company forecasts the programme will support around 8,250 jobs each year among UK businesses.
Energy and environmental measures
Google has emphasised energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint for its data centres. The Waltham Cross facility uses advanced air‑cooling systems to limit water use to domestic levels and is equipped for off‑site heat recovery, allowing excess heat to be redirected to warm local homes, schools or businesses free of charge, the company said.
To smooth the intermittency of renewable power, Google has appointed Shell Energy Europe as its 24/7 Carbon‑Free Energy Manager for the UK. Under the arrangement Shell will oversee a power portfolio that includes battery energy storage systems and optimise existing clean‑energy agreements, such as Google’s off‑take from ENGIE’s Moray West offshore wind project in Scotland. Google projects its UK operations will run at or near 95% carbon‑free energy by 2026 through the combined initiatives.
Jobs and skills
Alongside infrastructure, Google said it will invest in people and skills. The company claims it has trained more than 1M people in the UK over the past decade and is part of an industry group that aims to train 7.5M people nationally by 2030. It says the investments are intended to help the UK develop its AI economy, strengthen cybersecurity and create “future‑focused” career opportunities.
Locally, Google is establishing a Community Fund to be managed by Broxbourne Council and will support charities and social enterprises offering skills and employment services, including CHEXS, Community Alliance Broxbourne & East Herts, Hertfordshire Community Foundation and SPACE Hertfordshire.
Context and questions
The announcement comes amid intense national debate about the role of large tech companies in the UK economy, energy systems and local communities. Data centres are a growing source of electricity demand and have sparked scrutiny from councils and campaigners over their environmental impact, employment quality and planning footprint.
Google’s estimate of 8,250 jobs refers to roles created through the broader supply chain rather than direct permanent jobs at the data centre; the company did not give a breakdown of expected direct versus indirect or temporary employment tied to construction. Similarly, claims about near‑95% carbon‑free operation rely on a portfolio approach to power procurement and storage rather than continuous on‑site renewable generation.
Reeves 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.
“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.”
Google DeepMind co-founder and CEO Demis Hassabis added: “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.”
Broxbourne Council leader Corina Gander 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.”
Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.
