Google’s $850 Million Investment in Uruguay Data Centre and Future Plans

Google is investing $850 million in a new data centre in Uruguay, partnering with local universities to enhance digital skills. Additionally, the company is considering a hyperscale data centre in Vietnam, while facing planning permission denial for another project in Dublin due to power grid concerns.

Google has announced an investment of $850 million in a new data centre in Canelones, Uruguay, underscoring its commitment to enhancing digital skills training, infrastructure development, and sustainability in the region. This investment will be coupled with partnerships with local universities, such as the Universidad Tecnológica (UTEC) and the Universidad de Montevideo (UM), to incorporate technology into relevant academic programs and prepare students for the digital economy.

In a blog post, Google expressed its optimism regarding the development, 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.” This facility marks Google’s first foray into Latin America, following its previous investments since 2015 in Quilicura, Chile.

In addition to its endeavors in Uruguay, Google is reportedly exploring the establishment of a large-scale “hyperscale” data centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. While the financial parameters of this investment have yet to be revealed, it is expected to significantly benefit Vietnam’s economy, with the centre potentially becoming operational by 2027.

In contrast, Google faced setbacks in Dublin, Ireland, where South Dublin County Council denied planning permission for a proposed data centre due to concerns about the local power grid capacity and the absence of renewable energy sources. These factors, along with the lack of transparency in Google’s power agreements, contributed to the council’s decision against the facility’s construction.

Google’s strategic investment of $850 million in Uruguay highlights its dedication to fostering technological advancements and educational opportunities in the region. Collaborations with local universities aim to equip students with essential digital skills. Meanwhile, the potential data centre in Vietnam could further expand Google’s footprint in Southeast Asia, even as challenges persist in other locations such as Dublin, Ireland.

Original Source: www.capacitymedia.com