Now Reading: Google targets 2028 for first phase of Vizag AI data centre
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Google targets 2028 for first phase of Vizag AI data centre
Google expects to complete the first phase of its 1 gigawatt AI data centre hub in Visakhapatnam by late 2028, with full operations across all phases within five years. The company has…
Google expects to complete the first phase of its 1 gigawatt AI data centre hub in Visakhapatnam by late 2028, with full operations across all phases within five years. The company has committed $15 billion in investment in India between 2026 and 2030 to accelerate AI transformation, Alexander Smith, Google's Principal of Global Infrastructure and Energy for Asia Pacific, said.
The data centre will be air-cooled and powered by green energy to minimise its carbon footprint. Google is also laying new sub-sea cables to connect the hub to Singapore, Australia, West Asia, Europe and the US, and will build inter-city high-speed fibre networks to major Indian metros.
As part of its community engagement, Google plans to train 10,000 women from nearby communities in basic IT and AI skills. The first phase construction is expected to take 24-30 months, with later phases dependent on learnings from the initial build.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Google's Vizag hub is part of a global race to build AI infrastructure, where data centre capacity is measured in gigawatts rather than megawatts. India currently has less than 1 GW of total data centre capacity across all operators, so this single facility could double the country's compute power. The $15 billion commitment is one of the largest foreign direct investments in Andhra Pradesh, a state that has been competing with Telangana and Maharashtra for tech investments. The timeline of five years assumes no further expansion, meaning Google could scale up faster if the first phase succeeds. The company must also secure continuous green energy supply and clear state-level clearances for land and power, which have delayed similar projects in other states. The next milestone to watch is the completion of the first 24-30 month construction window, which will determine whether Google can stick to its 2028 operations target.
Source: rediff.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
