Google is investing $850 million in a new data center in Uruguay to enhance digital skills and expand local infrastructure. Partnerships with local universities will support student training. Meanwhile, Google is also considering a significant data center investment in Vietnam, although it faced denial of a project in Dublin due to energy concerns.
Google has announced an $850 million investment to establish a data center in Canelones, Uruguay. This initiative aims to enhance digital skills training, boost local infrastructure, and support economic development towards a sustainable future. The company is collaborating with local universities, such as Universidad Tecnológica (UTEC) and Universidad de Montevideo (UM), to integrate technological content into academic courses and upskill students for the digital economy.
In a blog post, Google emphasized that the new data center will significantly contribute to Uruguay’s professional and technological development. This facility marks Google’s increased investment in Latin America, following their first data center built in Quilicura, Chile, in 2015, which started with $150 million and saw an additional $140 million investment in 2018 for its expansion.
Additionally, Google is considering a large-scale data center in Vietnam, potentially marking its first major investment in Southeast Asia. While specific investment figures remain undisclosed, the proposed hyperscale facility near Ho Chi Minh City could be operational by 2027, representing a substantial economic opportunity for Vietnam.
However, Google faced setbacks in Ireland as the South Dublin County Council denied its request to build a data center in Grange Castle Business Park. The council’s refusal was based on concerns about the impact on the national power grid, citing insufficient electricity capacity and lack of significant on-site renewable energy to support the new center’s operations expected in 2027. Transparency issues regarding Power Purchase Agreements further compounded the situation, along with the disconnection from the nearby district heating network.
Google’s planned $850 million investment in Uruguay aims to enhance local digital skills and economic development through a new data center. This investment complements their existing operations in Latin America and potential expansions in Vietnam. Nonetheless, challenges in Ireland highlight the complexities of scaling operations amidst infrastructural constraints, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions in future developments.
Original Source: www.capacitymedia.com
