Google to Invest 5 Billion Euros in Belgian Data Centre Expansion
Google has unveiled plans to invest 5 billion euros between 2026 and 2027 to expand its data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Hainaut, the US tech giant announced during the Belgian economic mission to California. The move will create 300 full-time jobs, and an estimated 15,000 indirect positions annually among partners and suppliers, reports 24brussels.
The expansion responds to increasing demand for cloud services, spurred by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The investment is expected to enhance the performance of core Google products such as Search and Maps.
Google is actively seeking IT specialists, engineers, and security personnel for the new operations. “For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI,” stated Tom De Block, Google’s Belux country manager. “Infrastructure is crucial, but so are skills.”
The company plans to provide AI training programs aimed at bolstering local expertise.
“For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI”
Scheduled for completion within two years, the expanded facility will support data-driven organizations, including Odoo and UZ Leuven, and may attract new businesses to Belgium. Additionally, it will facilitate public institutions in storing data within national borders.
To support the site’s energy requirements sustainably, Google has secured agreements with Eneco, Luminus, and Renner to develop 110 megawatts of wind and solar energy capacity.
Since launching its first Belgian data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Google has invested over 11 billion euros in the country and currently employs approximately 600 individuals in Hainaut.