COLUMBIA, S.C., Tech giant Google confirmed it will invest $9 billion in South Carolina over the next two years, significantly expanding its cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the state. The funding will support the growth of Google’s existing Berkeley County campus and the continued construction of two new data center campuses in Dorchester County.
Strengthening AI and Cloud Capacity
The investment is aimed at scaling Google’s AI-driven services and cloud platforms, part of a global buildout to meet surging demand for computing power. Once completed, the Lowcountry facilities will form part of Google’s 42 global cloud regions, designed to deliver faster, more reliable services to users and enterprise clients worldwide.
Workforce and Training Initiatives
Alongside infrastructure, Google announced a Google.org grant to the Electrical Training Alliance, which will integrate AI tools into training programs. The initiative will prepare more than 160 apprentices for careers in South Carolina’s growing technology and energy sectors.
“Google’s investment in South Carolina deepens our 15-year roots here and helps to power America’s next wave of innovation,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. She emphasized that the expansion will also support energy affordability programs and strengthen the local workforce pipeline.
Economic Impact
Since opening its first South Carolina data center in 2007, Google has invested more than $4.5 billion in the state and generated $6.4 billion in economic activity in 2024 alone for local businesses and creators. The new $9 billion commitment represents the company’s largest single investment in the region to date.
Strategic Significance
The expansion underscores South Carolina’s emergence as a strategic hub for U.S. digital infrastructure, with proximity to undersea cables and energy resources making it attractive for large-scale data operations. Analysts note that the investment reflects both the growing demand for AI computing capacity and the need to diversify U.S. data center locations beyond traditional hubs like Northern Virginia.
