The world's fourth-largest company, Google owner Alphabet, has announced a £5bn ($6.8bn) investment in UK artificial intelligence (AI). The funds will be allocated to infrastructure and scientific research over the next two years, marking the first of several major US investments being unveiled ahead of US President Donald Trump's state visit. Google’s president and chief investment officer, Ruth Porat, stated there are profound opportunities in the UK for the company’s initiatives in advanced science. This investment includes the opening of a $1bn (£735m) data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves slated to attend the launch.
The announcement also suggests expansion plans at the data center and funding for London-based DeepMind, which focuses on AI applications to enhance scientific research. Porat remarked on the emerging US-UK special technology relationship, while acknowledging the need to mitigate risks and capture economic opportunities through advancements in social services and science. The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan is seen as a catalyst for this investment, though further work is needed to fully capitalize on the booming AI sector.
Despite the positive outlook, Porat expressed concerns about energy use and environmental impacts from data centers. Google plans to use air-cooling instead of water-cooling and aims to repurpose heat generated by its facilities to support local schools and homes. Additionally, the company has partnered with Shell to ensure 95% of its energy supply for UK operations is carbon-free.
As US investments continue to flow into the UK, further substantial commitments from other American firms are expected shortly. Alphabet’s rise to become the fourth company valued over $3 trillion indicates strong market confidence, reinforced by a recent surge in Google’s stock following favorable court decisions regarding potential antitrust actions. Porat advocates for a proactive approach concerning the impact of AI on the workforce, emphasizing the creation of new job opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, rather than solely focusing on efficiencies that could lead to job losses. She encourages individuals to engage with AI technologies to leverage their potential benefits.
The announcement also suggests expansion plans at the data center and funding for London-based DeepMind, which focuses on AI applications to enhance scientific research. Porat remarked on the emerging US-UK special technology relationship, while acknowledging the need to mitigate risks and capture economic opportunities through advancements in social services and science. The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan is seen as a catalyst for this investment, though further work is needed to fully capitalize on the booming AI sector.
Despite the positive outlook, Porat expressed concerns about energy use and environmental impacts from data centers. Google plans to use air-cooling instead of water-cooling and aims to repurpose heat generated by its facilities to support local schools and homes. Additionally, the company has partnered with Shell to ensure 95% of its energy supply for UK operations is carbon-free.
As US investments continue to flow into the UK, further substantial commitments from other American firms are expected shortly. Alphabet’s rise to become the fourth company valued over $3 trillion indicates strong market confidence, reinforced by a recent surge in Google’s stock following favorable court decisions regarding potential antitrust actions. Porat advocates for a proactive approach concerning the impact of AI on the workforce, emphasizing the creation of new job opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, rather than solely focusing on efficiencies that could lead to job losses. She encourages individuals to engage with AI technologies to leverage their potential benefits.
