Google Unveils $6.8 Billion UK Investment and New Data Centre Ahead of Trump’s State Visit

Google has announced a massive £5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in the United Kingdom just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit. The move is expected to underline the deepening economic ties between the two allies, with Washington officials hinting at business deals worth over $10 billion during the visit.

The tech giant, owned by Alphabet Inc., said the investment would fund a new data centre near London to support its fast-growing AI-powered services, including Google Cloud, Search, Maps and Workspace. This major facility at Waltham Cross is designed with air-cooling technology to reduce water usage and will even re-route heat from its operations to nearby homes and businesses to minimise environmental impact.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves called the investment “a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy,” stressing that it reflects the strength of the UK-U.S. partnership. Google projects the funding will support the creation of around 8,250 jobs annually at British businesses, giving a much-needed boost to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government as it courts private investment to revive sluggish growth.

Alongside the data centre, Google revealed a new deal with energy company Shell to help stabilise the UK’s electricity grid and accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner energy. The company said these efforts will help its UK operations run on about 95% carbon-free energy by 2026, further strengthening its sustainability credentials.

The timing of the announcement, ahead of President Trump’s high-profile visit, signals confidence in Britain’s business environment and underscores the growing role of U.S. tech investment in the UK economy. With both governments emphasising closer trade and technology partnerships, the deal is expected to be a headline example of the benefits of transatlantic cooperation.

source: reuters