Google will open a new artificial intelligence data center outside of Richmond, Virginia, as part of a $9 billion investment in the state, the company and the governor’s office announced Wednesday.
Virginia’s partnership with Google comes as Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) works to cement the state as a worldwide AI data center superpower. Virginia has more data centers than any other state, boasting approximately 35% of the world’s hyperscale data centers.
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“Google’s $9 billion investment in Virginia is a powerful endorsement of our Commonwealth’s leadership in the AI economy. As AI is increasingly part of every aspect of work, this project reinforces our commitment to preparing Virginians for the future,” Youngkin said in a press release.
The new Google data center will be located at 2700 Bermuda Hundred Rd. in Chesterfield County, according to a Google spokesperson. Google owns the parcel, and the next step is construction. The property was last sold for over $21 million in March 2020, according to the county’s property records.
Chesterfield County, southwest of Richmond County, is home to two existing data centers, with several others on the docket as Google and Youngkin seal the deal, and as the county’s Board of Supervisors continues to approve more data center rezoning applications.
“Google’s decision to invest in Chesterfield County reflects the strength of our community and its reputation as a leader in technology and innovation,” Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Ingle said. “I’m encouraged by the meaningful engagement with Google already, focused on their approach to energy efficiency, responsible water use, workforce development, and education.”
This will be Google’s first data center in Chesterfield County. The tech giant has several other data centers in northern Virginia, located in Loudoun and Prince William counties. As part of the $9 billion investment, Google will also expand its northern Virginia centers.
“Google’s investments in technical infrastructure and AI skills development help to ensure that people across Virginia and across the United States have access to opportunity in this exciting era of American innovation,” said President and Chief Information Officer of Google, Ruth Porat, in the release.
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The governor’s office announced that as part of the deal, all Virginia-based college students would also secure a free, full-year access to Google’s AI Pro plan, along with “AI training and job search support.”
Google also contracted with the federal government this month, inking a deal with the General Services Administration to give federal agencies access to Google’s AI products for 47 cents per agency through 2026.