Google Plans $9B Virginia Data Center Expansion

Google is committing an additional $9 billion to expand its data center operations in Virginia through 2026, including a new facility in Chesterfield County and expansions in Loudoun and Prince William counties. This investment aims to enhance the company's cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure and is supported by Governor Glenn Youngkin as a boost to Virginia's leadership in the AI economy and workforce development. Google is also partnering with local colleges, such as Brightpoint Community College, to provide free AI training and access to AI tools for students, emphasizing education and job readiness. Despite Google's claims of operating energy-efficient data centers and using clean energy, critics highlight the significant increase in electricity consumption and environmental concerns related to water use and noise. Chesterfield County is not offering tax incentives but will provide water infrastructure expansion at Google's expense, and Google is eligible for certain state tax exemptions on qualifying equipment. Construction for the Chesterfield data center is expected to begin by the end of the year, marking the first phase of what may become a multi-phase campus.