Google Investing Another 1B Euros In Netherlands Data Centers

The announcement marks the first time that Google has invested in two separate data center sites in a European country. The Netherlands is a ‘digital frontrunner,’ according to Joe Kava, vice president of Google's global data centers, with ‘first-class digital infrastructure, ample sustainable energy sources and qualified staff available.’

Google today said it’s investing another 1 billion euros or $1.14 billion to expand its existing Netherlands data center and construct a new one already in the early stages of development.

The plans – to build upon its Eemshaven site in the north of the Netherlands and develop the new data center in the Agriport A7 industrial park in Middenmeer, about a half hour north of the capital city of Amsterdam – will bring Google’s total investment in the county to 2.5 billion euros or about $2.85 billion.

The data centers will be used to run a variety of Google services, including Search, Maps and YouTube, according to Google Benelux spokeswoman Cindy Penders.

“In Eemshaven, we also host a Google Cloud Platform region, enabling enterprise customers in the Netherlands and surrounding areas to use Google Cloud Platform services close to home,” Penders said. “This cloud region offers compute, storage, big data and networking services.”

The announcement marks the first time that Google has invested in two separate data center sites in a single European country. The Netherlands is a “digital frontrunner,” according to Joe Kava, vice president of Google’s global data centers, with “first-class digital infrastructure, ample sustainable energy sources and qualified staff available.”

Netherland’s cabinet hopes the country will become the “digital leader in Europe,” Eric Wiebes, the Netherlands’ minister of economic affairs and climate, said in a statement.

“That is why we are making efforts to ensure that investments in high-quality innovative IT (information technology) projects are made in the Netherlands,” he said. “This investment means a boost for employment in the region. I am also happy that Google is purchasing 100 percent renewable energy for these data centers."

Microsoft also has developed data centers in Middenmeer.

Eemshaven -- where Google opened its facility in 2016 -- and Middenmeer had existing infrastructure to meet Google’s needs, according to Penders, and the sites also well-contained, making it easier to physically secure them.

“We're investing in our technology infrastructure to support the strong and growing demand for our services,” Penders said. “In selecting sites to host this infrastructure, we look for supportive communities with the necessary resources to support the project including available buildings, land, workforce, a choice of power and other utilities, including renewable energy supplies.”

Both expansions are expected to be operational next year.

Google, which previously announced a 500-million-euro expansion of the Eemshaven site in March 2018, said the new expansion will bring total employment there to about 350 people by 2020. The Agriport facility will employ about 125 people once it’s operational.