docorporate and government officials announced Wednesday an ambitious plan to build a billion-dollar data center in the Kansas City area — backed by new carbon-free energy capacity on the grid.
The facility could open as soon as 2025.
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas Area Development Council, speaks during an announcement event for Google's multi-billion dollar data center in Kansas City. photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Google's significant investment in KC will have multiple positive long-term effects. Not only will the technology company invest hundreds of millions of dollars to benefit our region's economy in a myriad of ways, but Google's global brand will now be directly linked to KC's growing global brand,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council. . “Google joins other international global technology and consumer brands that have recently chosen KC for significant investment.”
Wednesday's announcement comes nearly two years to the day Google rival Meta unveiled plans to build an $800 million data center in the area. That location — east of Kansas City International Airport — is expected to be operational this year.
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Google's new data center is to be located in the Hunt Midwest Business Center on NE Parvin Street. The 2,500-acre business park houses more than 68 companies in a wide variety of industries.
Google's investment in technical infrastructure, including data centers, plays an essential role in supporting the company's AI innovations and growing Google Cloud businesses, the company said. Google data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations around the world.
“We've reached a major inflection point for technological innovation like artificial intelligence, and data centers are the backbone of that progress,” said Monique Picou, global vice president of cloud supply chain and operations at Google. “Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help strengthen America's digital future, and we are excited to contribute to the region's bright future.”
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KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, Monique Picou, Google and Missouri Governor Mike Parson pose at the Hunt Midwest Business Center to announce a new Google data center planned for Kansas City. photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
As part of its commitment to community development, Google said, the company also plans to bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Kansas City area. Google is partnering with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League to help grow the entry-level pipeline in skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. All STAR pre-service programs are paid training programs and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.
Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation speaks during an event announcing Google's multi-billion dollar data center in Kansas City. photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Technology employs one in 10 workers in Kansas City,” said Tracy Lewis, president and CEO of the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation. “We are excited that Google's presence will add to this significant and growing number of job opportunities in our great community.”
As part of the Kansas City data center plan, Google is partnering with Evergy to power the site, and Ranger Power and DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free power to the grid as part of the ambitious the company's. target to run on carbon-free energy around the clock.
“Our reliable, innovative energy solutions power the growth of tomorrow's digital landscape. We are proud to fuel Google's investment in Kansas City and commend Google for its technology leadership and commitment to sustainability.” said David Campbell, president and CEO of Evergy.
This story is evolving.
