Google Invests $850 Million in Data Centre Expansion in Uruguay

Google is investing $850 million in a new data centre in Uruguay, collaborating with local universities to enhance digital skills. The company is also exploring a major project in Vietnam and faced planning denial for a data centre in Dublin due to power grid concerns.

Google has announced an investment of $850 million to establish a new data centre in Uruguay, highlighting its commitment to enhancing digital skills, expanding infrastructure, and promoting sustainability. To further this goal, the company is collaborating with local universities, such as Universidad Tecnológica (UTEC) and Universidad de Montevideo (UM), to incorporate technology into their curriculum and improve student skill sets.

In a blog post, Google expressed optimism regarding this investment, stating, “We hope our new data centre in Canelones will be a significant contribution to the professional and technological development of Uruguay and the entire region.” Prior to this, Google established its first data centre in Latin America in Quilicura, Chile in 2015, with an investment of $150 million and an additional $140 million in 2018 for expansion.

In addition to ventures in Uruguay, Google is reportedly considering the construction of a large “hyperscale” data centre in Vietnam, which would represent its first major investment in the Southeast Asian market. The specific investment amount has yet to be revealed, but the facility near Ho Chi Minh City could potentially become operational by 2027.

Conversely, Google faced setbacks in its plans in Dublin, Ireland, where the South Dublin County Council denied permission for a proposed data centre due to concerns about the local power grid’s capacity and the lack of sustainable energy sources. The council also noted issues regarding the transparency of Google’s Power Purchase Agreements and the absence of infrastructure connecting to the district heating network.

Google’s investment in a new data centre in Uruguay represents a significant commitment to fostering economic growth and digital skills in the region while expanding its global infrastructure. Additionally, plans for a data centre in Vietnam demonstrate the company’s interest in Southeast Asia. However, challenges in Dublin indicate the regulatory complexities that Google faces in further expanding its operations in Europe.

Original Source: www.capacitymedia.com