- $9 billion investment will fund AI-focused facilities and renewable energy projects
- Universities and workforce training included in wider development strategy
What happened: Google commits $9 billion to Oklahoma expansion
Google will spend $9 billion in Oklahoma over the next two years to grow its AI and cloud operations. The investment strengthens the state’s role as a hub for hyperscale infrastructure in the United States.
The company will build a new data centre campus in Stillwater, expected to cost up to $3 billion. The site covers 400 acres and will be developed in phases, with each data hall spanning about 300,000 square feet. Google will also expand its existing Pryor facility, which has been running since 2011.
Since 2007, Google has already invested $4.8 billion in Pryor and $1.3 billion in renewable energy projects across the state. Earlier this year, it signed power purchase agreements for a 724 MW solar portfolio, which includes the Salt Branch, Huckleberry and Mayes Solar projects.
Governor Kevin Stitt said the Stillwater facility would focus on AI and create more high-skilled jobs. Stillwater mayor Will Joyce added that the decision reflects the strength of the local economy and workforce, as well as Google’s record of community engagement.
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Why it’s important
The investment reflects surging demand for AI workloads and cloud services, with Google positioning itself to meet enterprise-scale requirements. It forms part of a wider $85 billion annual capital expenditure plan covering global infrastructure growth.
Beyond physical expansion, Google is embedding itself in local skills development. Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma will join the company’s AI for Education Accelerator, providing free AI training and career certificates. Meanwhile, the ALLIANCE initiative aims to boost the state’s pool of qualified electricians by 135%, a move seen as vital to sustaining hyperscale build-outs.
The emphasis on renewable energy aligns with Google’s global sustainability commitments, with the company targeting 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. By tying infrastructure growth to workforce training and clean power, Google is not only bolstering its technical capacity but also embedding long-term economic and social benefits within Oklahoma.
