Google makes $850m bet on Uruguay: New data center to enhance connectivity, skills, and sustainability across Latin America

Google is deepening its commitment to Latin America with a substantial investment of over $850 million USD in a new data center in Canelones, Uruguay. This facility is set to bolster the region’s digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and support the rising demand for digital services, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The move marks a significant step following Google’s first Latin American data center in Chile, which opened in 2015. This new expansion reflects Google’s long-term strategy to drive digital growth and sustainability throughout the region.

A Major Boost to Latin American Digital Infrastructure

The new data center in Uruguay is part of Google’s broader initiative to enhance digital infrastructure in Latin America, ensuring robust and reliable access to digital services like Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Cloud. By investing in this second data center, Google aims to expand its network’s capacity and resilience, providing faster and more reliable service to millions of users across the continent. This development follows a series of investments in critical infrastructure, including several undersea cables—Firmina, Tannat, Curie, and Humboldt—that link South America with other regions such as Asia-Pacific.

Google’s infrastructure expansion is further complemented by establishing Google Cloud regions in strategic locations like São Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and the upcoming region in Querétaro, Mexico. These investments are critical for boosting the region’s digital economy, enabling businesses, governments, and communities to thrive in a more interconnected world.

Empowering Latin America Through Digital Skills Development

Beyond enhancing infrastructure, Google is committed to building digital capabilities in Latin America. The company has rolled out initiatives aimed at expanding digital literacy and skills, which are essential for harnessing the opportunities offered by new technologies. Google Career Certificates and the Google Cloud Skills Boost platform offer comprehensive on-demand training for a wide range of digital competencies. Google has already collaborated with over 550 universities across the region, providing a continuously updated portfolio of learning resources designed to prepare students for the digital economy. Over the past 18 months, more than 35,000 digital skill badges have been awarded to students and developers, signaling a growing pool of digital talent in Latin America.

In Uruguay, Google is working closely with local academic institutions such as Universidad Tecnológica (UTEC) and Universidad de Montevideo (UM) to integrate digital technology into academic programs, ensuring students gain relevant skills that match industry needs. In collaboration with the National Development Agency (ANDE) and the National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII), Google has also launched startup academies to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation, further cementing its role in the country’s digital transformation.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Advanced Data Centers

Google’s data centers are globally recognized for their high efficiency, security, and sustainability. The upcoming data center in Uruguay will adhere to these standards, operating with more than 90% renewable energy—a testament to Google’s commitment to a greener future. With sustainability being a core value, Google’s data centers are on average 1.8 times more energy-efficient than standard facilities, and they have managed to quadruple computing power without increasing energy consumption compared to five years ago.

By incorporating these principles into its new facility in Uruguay, Google is helping the region transition to a more sustainable future. The company’s Data Center Community Impact Programs will also bring resources and initiatives to local communities, including digital skills training and projects designed to drive both economic and social impact.

A New Chapter for Google in Latin America

The construction of a new data center in Uruguay signifies a pivotal moment in Google’s engagement with Latin America. This substantial investment is not just about expanding digital infrastructure; it reflects a comprehensive approach to supporting economic development, building digital skills, and fostering a more sustainable future. As Google breaks ground in Canelones, it reiterates its commitment to collaborating with governments, businesses, and communities to enhance digital capabilities and economic growth across Latin America.

By advancing digital infrastructure, nurturing digital skills, and championing sustainability, Google is not only reinforcing its presence in the region but also paving the way for a more connected, skilled, and sustainable future for Latin America.