Google has broken ground on its new data center in Horndal, Sweden. It will be Google's first self-developed, owned, and operated facility in the country.
Google, whose first office dates back to 2004, says the new facility is designed with sustainability in mind and will be air-cooled and will limit water use. It will also be ready for off-site heat recovery to provide heat to local homes and businesses. Googles stresses its long-term commitment to sustainability in the country. Since signing its first Swedish power purchase agreement in 2013, the company says it has added more than 700 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid.
The new data center will generate 100 direct jobs once finished and thousands more through construction, suppliers, and local businesses. Google is already working with nearly 60 Swedish suppliers for the construction of the data center. To support local growth, the company says it will also launch a €5 million fund for community initiatives focused on education, sustainability and workforce development.
Anna Wikland, Managing Director Google Nordics commented: “I’m excited about today’s news and what it means for Sweden. This will give businesses, public institutions, and people even better and faster access to our technology, thus supporting the digital transformation of Sweden. It also underscores our long-term vision for Sweden and Europe, demonstrating a deep commitment to accelerating regional innovation through strategic investment.”
