In its statement, Google also said it had agreed a deal with Shell that would contribute to grid stability and Britain’s energy transition [File]
| Photo: AP
Google said Tuesday it will make 5 billion pounds ($6.80 billion) in new investments in Britain ahead of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the country, which is expected to be a flurry of business deals and partnerships.
The US tech company also announced the opening of a new data centre near London, designed to help meet growing demand for its AI-powered services such as Google Cloud, Search, Maps and Workspace. The investment “is a strong vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said in a company statement. The Alphabet-owned company said the investment in UK businesses is expected to create 8,250 jobs annually.
The announcement will be seen as a boost for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which is hoping to attract private investment to boost the sluggish economy and regain momentum in national opinion polls. Trump’s visit is also expected to deepen economic ties between the two Western allies. Senior US officials have said economic deals worth more than $10 billion will be announced.
In its announcement, Google also said it had agreed a deal with Shell that will contribute to grid stability and the UK’s energy transition.
Its Waltham Cross data center, about an hour’s drive from London, uses air-cooled technology to reduce water use and is equipped to reroute water from the center to then be delivered to local homes or businesses, reducing its overall environmental impact, Google said. Combined with clean energy initiatives and a partnership with Shell, Google said its UK operations will run on or near 95% carbon-free energy by 2026.
Published – September 16, 2025 11:31 AM IST
