By Aimee Look
Alphabet’s Google will pump 5 billion euros ($5.82 billion) of capital into Belgium over the next two years, the latest large-scale investment from a U.S. tech giant bolstering its data center infrastructure in Europe.
Google said late Wednesday that it would scale up its data center facility in St. Ghislain, adding 300 full-time jobs to its existing workforce of around 600 full-time and contract jobs. Funding will underpin the use of artificial-intelligence and augment Google’s ability to meet rising demand for Google Cloud, it said. The investment will also help power other services, like Google Search, Maps and Workspace.
“With today’s announcement, Google is deepening its roots in Belgium, extending our investments in the country and creating new avenues for AI-driven transformation,” it said.
American tech companies are increasingly pouring money into data centers in Europe, looking to strengthen their presence on the continent and satisfy a surge in demand for AI as the technology leaps forward. Google’s announcement came as Princess Astrid of Belgium was on an economic mission to the U.S.
Last month, Google announced a major investment in the U.K., pledging 5 billion pounds over the next two years to fund AI, research and development, and engineering in the country. It said the investment will create more than 8,000 jobs per year for the local economy.
Other tech giants are making parallel moves. In July, Oracle said it was investing $3 billion over five years to amplify its AI and cloud infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany. Microsoft said it would spend around $4.75 billion in Italy on cloud and AI infrastructure over the next two years in October.
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Amazon.com in June of last year committed 17.8 billion euros toward logistics networks and cloud infrastructure in Germany through 2040, and 15.7 billion euros over the next ten years for cloud services in Spain.
“Google’s new investment is a powerful sign of trust in Belgium as a hub for digital innovation and sustainable growth,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said in a statement. “This project is also of strategic importance, consolidating our role as a leader in Europe’s digital future.”
Google also said Wednesday that it would support skilling programs in local areas in Belgium and committed to new carbon-free energy deals with Eneco, Luminus and Renner. It pledged to support 365 megawatts in renewable energy resources in the country. In all of Europe, Google said it has made wind and solar deals since 2010, totaling over 4.5 gigawatts of clean energy generation.
Write to Aimee Look at [email protected]
