Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has announced a substantial investment of £5 billion in the United Kingdom, primarily allocated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and infrastructure.
The initiative includes the official opening of a $1 billion (£735 million) data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, an event attended by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This funding is also designated for expanding the existing site and supporting London-based DeepMind, a research company utilizing AI to advance scientific discovery.
Ruth Porat, Google’s president and chief investment officer, articulated that the UK presents “profound opportunities” for pioneering work in advanced science, noting the evolution of a “US-UK special technology relationship.”
Environmentally, the new facility will employ an air-cooling system, with plans to capture and redirect excess heat for local heating purposes, including schools and homes. Furthermore, Google has finalized an agreement with Shell to source 95% carbon-free energy for its UK operations, aligning with its commitment to renewable energy while acknowledging its intermittent nature.
Source: www.bbc.com