Key Takeaway
Google is investing $9 billion in South Carolina to enhance its data center infrastructure, promote energy affordability, and train the local workforce for careers in tech and energy. Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet, emphasized that this investment will support job growth and reinforce South Carolina’s role in Google’s U.S. data strategy. Since 2007, Google has focused on energy efficiency and community initiatives. A significant part of the investment includes a grant to the Electrical Training Alliance, integrating AI tools into training for over 160 apprentices, while also funding local programs for energy and environmental sustainability.
“I am excited to announce that Google is investing US$9bn in South Carolina to enhance our data centre infrastructure in the state, implement programs to safeguard energy affordability, and train the local workforce for careers in the growing tech and energy sectors,” says Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google.
“This investment supports job growth in South Carolina, allowing the state to benefit from the advancements in AI. Google is proud to build on our 15 years of efforts in the Palmetto State to help ensure its success during the next wave of American innovation.”
Ruth’s comments highlight how Google’s latest expansion strengthens South Carolina’s long-term role as a key element of the company’s U.S. data infrastructure strategy.
Since opening its first data centre in the state in 2007, Google has consistently invested in energy efficiency, community initiatives, and digital transformation programs, ensuring its facilities create both local impact and national innovation.
Workforce development and local partnerships
A key aspect of the investment focuses on workforce development and energy accessibility.
Through a new Google.org grant to the Electrical Training Alliance (etA), Google will incorporate AI tools into the alliance’s curriculum, equipping over 160 apprentices with the skills necessary to pursue careers in South Carolina’s rapidly expanding technology and energy sectors.
By collaborating with regional training organizations and community stakeholders, the company aims to create pathways into high-skilled, sustainable roles that contribute to the broader AI and data infrastructure landscape.
Additionally, the investment will support local programs focused on energy affordability and environmental responsibility as data centre operations continue to grow.
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