Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Google says Vizag AI hub will use air cooling amid local concerns
Google is building a $15 billion artificial intelligence data centre in Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The company says the facility will use air cooling rather than water-based cooling because its assessment found pressure on the local watershed.
Residents and activists have protested over water and electricity supplies, environmental effects, land acquisition and the jobs the project will bring.
The state government says eligible residents affected by the project are receiving financial compensation and new housing is being provided.
Google estimates the development will generate about $688 million in local economic activity each year and says a typical data centre project employs about 4,200 construction workers annually during building.
The Andhra Pradesh government has projected 188,000 direct and indirect jobs, while campaigners question whether the project will provide enough local employment.
The centre is expected to open in 2028, and Google says it also plans to invest in clean energy and fund needed power infrastructure upgrades.
Google says its $15 billion AI data centre project in Visakhapatnam will use air cooling instead of water-based cooling.
The company says the choice reflects pressure on the local watershed.
Residents and activists have protested over water scarcity, land acquisition, environmental effects and expected employment benefits.
Google says the facility is expected to become operational in 2028.
The company says it will replenish 120 per cent of freshwater used for non-cooling needs across its operations by 2030.
- Who
- Google, whose infrastructure and energy head for Asia-Pacific is Alexander Smith, and residents and activists opposing aspects of the project.
- What
- Google says its AI data centre will use air cooling to address concerns about freshwater availability.
- When
- The facility is under construction and is expected to become operational in 2028.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Google says its assessment identified pressure on the local watershed, which influenced its choice of air cooling.
Residents and activists
Cooling and water use
Google says the project will use air cooling and that watershed pressure shaped this choice.
Residents and activists
Residents and activists fear the project could add pressure to local water supplies.
Land acquisition
The Andhra Pradesh government says eligible residents received compensation and that new housing is being provided.
Residents and activists
Residents and activists have raised concerns about land acquisition; a farmer said his land was taken without respect.
Employment
Google estimates local economic activity and jobs from construction and operations; the state government has projected 188,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Residents and activists
Campaigners question whether the investment will create enough local employment and call for labour-intensive industries.
That finding shaped our choice of cooling configuration from the outset,
We are already struggling with water scarcity,
We need mass employment and labour-intensive industries, not high-capital industries,
The Guardian published a report documenting villagers' allegations about land being taken back without adequate notice and promised benefits not materialising.
Google's Visakhapatnam data centre project is being built.
The facility is expected to become operational.
Google has committed to replenishing 120 per cent of the freshwater used for non-cooling needs across its operations.
- Project investment
- $15 billion
- Cooling method
- Air cooling, rather than water-based cooling
- Expected operational year
- 2028
- Freshwater replenishment commitment
- 120 per cent by 2030
- State government's projected jobs
- 188,000 direct and indirect jobs
Sources
Related news
Zetwerk sets IPO price band at ₹143–₹151 per share
DMart Q2 profit rises 8.5% as revenue grows 17.8%
Rupee rises about 1% after India’s central bank takes support measures
Indian rupee rises 1% after central bank moves to curb dollar demand
Monsoon risks could raise costs for India’s food businesses
India wasted 4% of solar power during July and August amid shortages
BYJU’S parent set to hold about 32% of Aakash after settlement
Tonbo Imaging’s Rs 852 crore IPO offers investors an exit
TCS plans to give 80% of new hires digital and AI skills
India opens dollar window for oil companies to support the rupee
India draft policy targets 604 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2047
