North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Google broke ground last week on two data centers in Dorchester County, South Carolina, announcing a $2 billion investment. Alphabet Inc. subsidiary will also spend $1.3 billion to expand its Berkeley County center.
“This investment is a testament to Google’s long-term commitment to this region,” said Audrey Van Belleghem, director of strategy and operations for Google’s global data centers.
Alphabet, Google’s owner, and other major technology companies such as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, have invested heavily in data centers needed for their artificial intelligence ambitions.
“We are at an early stage of what I view as a very transformative area and in technology,” CEO Sundar Pichai said in an earnings call with analysts on July 23. “When we go through a curve like this, the risk of under-investing is dramatically greater than the risk of over-investing for us here.”
The new centers under construction will bring Google’s inventory to three in South Carolina.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Google’s collaboration with South Carolina. Our continued investment is a testament to the state’s exceptional workforce and thriving business environment,” said Google Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations Monique Picou. “Google data centers are the backbone of digital services that underpin our modern lives, along with tech innovation like AI.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration with leaders in the state to not only grow our digital infrastructure here but contribute to this thriving community.”
In Berkeley County, Google will spend $1.3 billion to expand its existing data center campus, located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, and support continued job growth. Established in 2007, the Berkeley County operation was the company’s first in South Carolina.
“We welcome Google’s historic investment in Dorchester County and the transformative economic opportunities it will bring,” said Dorchester County Council Chair Todd Friddle. “This proect will have a lasting positive impact on our county, providing new jobs, elevating our schools, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
“Google’s proven track record of empowering local workforces and strengthening communities, including right here in the Lowcountry, makes them an invaluable partner for our region, and we are excited to work with them to build a brighter future for Dorchester County together.”
