A $9 billion investment planned through 2027 will significantly expand Google’s data center footprint in South Carolina, bolstering the state’s role as a growing hub for digital infrastructure. The multi-year commitment is set to scale up the company’s existing Berkeley County campus and push forward with the construction of two new data centers in Dorchester County, projects that first broke ground in 2024. This capital injection represents one of the largest technology investments in the state’s history and underscores a long-term strategy to meet the soaring computational demands of artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
The development builds upon a partnership that began in 2007 with the establishment of Google’s first data center in the state. Since then, the company has invested over $4.5 billion in its South Carolina operations before this latest announcement. The new funding is designed not only to enhance physical infrastructure but also to support local workforce development and energy affordability programs, positioning the state to benefit from the next wave of technological innovation. According to company data, Google’s activities already contributed more than $6.4 billion in economic activity across South Carolina in 2024.
An Expanding Digital Hub
The three data center campuses—the expansion in Berkeley County and the two new sites in Dorchester County—will function as a critical node in Google’s global network. This network consists of 42 cloud regions worldwide, interconnected to provide fast and reliable services. South Carolina’s strategic importance is amplified by its connection to global data flows through two subsea internet cables, Firmina and Nuvem, which are anchored in Myrtle Beach. This combination of robust data processing facilities and direct international connectivity enhances the region’s capacity to support high-speed, low-latency services for cloud customers and Google’s own suite of AI-powered applications.
State officials lauded the investment as a confirmation of South Carolina’s growing stature in the tech sector. Governor Henry McMaster stated that the long-standing partnership has created countless opportunities for residents and strengthens the state’s position as a national leader in technology and innovation. The expansion is aimed directly at supporting the increasing demand for Google Cloud services and the intensive computing power required to train and deploy advanced AI models. By locating these critical facilities in the state, the company is building a foundation to power its services across the eastern U.S. and beyond.
Economic and Workforce Development
Beyond the physical construction, the investment includes significant commitments to fostering a skilled local workforce. A key component is a Google.org grant to the Electrical Training Alliance (etA), a national partnership focused on training electricians. This initiative will help integrate AI tools into the alliance’s curriculum, preparing more than 160 apprentices for high-demand careers in the technology and energy sectors. The program aims to increase the number of new electricians in the state by nearly 150% by 2030, developing the specialized labor force needed to build and maintain sophisticated energy and data infrastructure.
Targeted Training for Future Careers
The workforce development efforts extend to broader AI skills training through initiatives like the AI Opportunity Fund. This program is designed to equip South Carolinians with the tools to use AI effectively, thereby boosting productivity and competitiveness in the evolving job market. While specific numbers for permanent jobs at the new facilities were not detailed, the construction and ongoing operations are expected to create numerous high-paying roles. Local officials have noted that such high-tech jobs contribute significantly to the tax base without placing heavy burdens on local infrastructure like schools.
Commitment to Sustainable Operations
The new and expanded data centers are being developed in alignment with Google’s ambitious sustainability goals. The company has been carbon neutral since 2007 and is pursuing a goal to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. This objective means matching the data centers’ electricity consumption with carbon-free energy sources on an hourly basis. The facilities in South Carolina are expected to incorporate advanced cooling systems to minimize water usage and will be powered by an expanding portfolio of renewable energy sources.
Globally, Google is working to make its data centers among the most energy-efficient in the world. The company reported that its data centers now deliver over six times more computing power for the same amount of electrical energy compared to five years ago. Despite a 27% increase in data center electricity consumption in 2024, driven by AI and business growth, the company managed to reduce associated energy emissions by 12% compared to the previous year. This progress is achieved through a combination of efficiency innovations, renewable energy purchasing, and exploring next-generation technologies like advanced nuclear and geothermal power.
A Foundation for AI Innovation
This major capital investment solidifies South Carolina’s role as a cornerstone of the digital economy in the United States. The expanded infrastructure is essential for the next generation of technology, particularly generative AI, which requires immense processing power. The data hubs will support the development of new AI models, improve cloud capabilities for enterprise clients, and ensure secure, high-performance computing for a wide range of digital services. U.S. Senator Tim Scott remarked that the investment is a testament to the state’s vital role as a hub for the nation’s digital economy and a global leader in AI innovation. By pairing world-class infrastructure with local talent development, the initiative aims to position the state at the forefront of technological progress.
