It's a good time to be Oklahoma right now as tech giant Google has now announced an eye-watering $9,000,000,000 investment into the American state across data centers, cloud infrastructure, and training programs.
The United States has become a leading nation for artificial intelligence development under the Trump administration despite the potentially damaging effect of his controversial tariff plans, as many of the world's biggest tech companies have revealed significant investment to support their futures in the rapidly evolving software.
We have seen companies like Meta and Elon Musk's xAI invest heavily into power hungry data centers, with Mark Zuckerberg's company in particular revealing plans to create a 'mammoth' larger than the entirety of Manhattan.
Google isn't wanting to be left out of the AI party though, revealing plans of its own to invest around $9 billion in total into the state of Oklahoma as per the Journal Record, with the Sooner State set to firmly become the tech giant's home away from home for the future.
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The city of Stillwater appears to a particular focus for Google, with it's mayor revealing how important the company's investment will be in the future, especially when it comes to jobs.
"This significant investment is a game-changer for Stillwater, brining high-quality jobs, new opportunities for residents, and economic benefits for the entire region," Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce revealed.
"We are excited to welcome Google and grateful for their commitment to our city, not only through their data center investment, but also as a member of our community."
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Part of Google's significant investment will see the tech company aim to develop the existing labor force in Oklahoma, training current electrical workers alongside over 130 apprentices by 2030. This is projected to increase the number of train electricians by around 135% in the stated time frame.
Google's AI tools and training will also become available to all college students in Oklahoma in a partnership with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahome State University in an aim to further prepare a workforce for the AI future.
Alongside the existing data center in Mayes County – which is currently the second largest in the world – Google's latest investment will implement another in Stillwater, which comes alongside the addition of 700 megawatts of clean capacity to Oklahoma's electrical grid in order to support new operations.
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While that will undoubtedly be great news for Google who will receive further power and support to continue expansion of it's Gemini AI model, it might not be the best news for local residents based on the experience that some have had in other parts of the country when living next to data centers.
One woman who lives just 400 feet away from Meta's Georgia data center has revealed the staggering effect it has had on her water levels, energy bills, and general lifestyle, and many others have warned about the dangers that continued plans for further AI expansion will have on the lives of millions of Americans across the country.