Google Commences $850 Million Data Center Construction Project in Uruguay

Google has embarked on the construction of a new data center in Canelones, Uruguay, representing its second significant investment in Latin America. This $850 million project is designed to meet the growing demand for cloud services, enhance AI capabilities, and stimulate economic development in the region. Serving as a complement to Google’s existing data center in Chile, which opened its doors in 2015, this new facility embodies the tech giant's commitment to boosting digital transformation across Latin America.

In addition to erecting physical infrastructure, Google has prioritized investing in digital skills training to equip tomorrow’s professionals with the necessary expertise for careers in technology. The company's Google Cloud Skills Boost platform, offering on-demand training, has already engaged with more than 550 universities in Latin America. Over the past year and a half, over 35,000 digital skill badges have been awarded to students and developers, fostering a culture of AI proficiency in the region.

Through collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the Universidad Tecnológica and Universidad de Montevideo, Google is incorporating tech-focused content into educational curriculums to cultivate a talent pool primed for success in the tech industry. The tech giant is also partnering with government agencies like the National Development Agency and the National Agency of Research and Innovation to support startup academies, nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"We are confident that our forthcoming data center in Canelones will play a pivotal role in bolstering the professional and technological development of Uruguay and the entire region," Google stated in a recent blog post. Emphasizing the importance of community impact, Google pledges to continue investing resources in programs aimed at leveraging technology for social and economic progress, including digital skills training initiatives.

The new data center in Uruguay will prioritize sustainability, with over 90% of the country's energy derived from renewable sources. Google, known for its commitment to energy efficiency, operates 28 data centers across 11 countries, boasting an average energy efficiency 1.8 times greater than traditional data centers. This proactive approach aligns with Google's broader mission to enhance digital infrastructure in Latin America, exemplified by investments in subsea cables like Humboldt and the establishment of Google Cloud regions in strategic locations such as São Paulo and Santiago, with Querétaro, Mexico next on the horizon.