The technology company Google has announced a significant expansion of its presence in Latin America with an investment of more than 850 million dollars to build a data center in Uruguay. The laying of the first stone took place on Thursday 29, marking the beginning of this important project.
Among those attending the event were the President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, the head of Google Cloud for Latin America, Eduardo López, and the director of Government Affairs and Public Policies for Google in Latin America, Eleonora Rabinovich. Also attending were the presidential candidate of the Frente Amplio, Yamandú Orsi, along with various national and departmental authorities.
“The project will be built in the Parque de la Ciencias, in Canelones, and will be Google’s second data center in Latin America, after the one in Quilicura, Chile, which opened in 2015,” the company explained. Google already operates two Google Cloud regions in Latin America: in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile, and will soon add one in Querétaro, Mexico.
Boosting digital infrastructure in Uruguay
The company stressed the importance of its investment in technical infrastructure, referring to the statement: “Google’s continued investment in technical infrastructure plays a fundamental role in powering products and services such as Search, YouTube, Maps and Workspace.” The data center will be integrated into Google’s global network, which already has 28 centers and 40 Google Cloud regions around the world.
Eduardo López, President of Google Cloud Latin America, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are very excited to announce this important milestone that is part of three key commitments: our sustained commitment to Latin America, our focus on sustainability and our strong belief in Uruguay as a center of innovation in the region.”
Economic and connectivity impact
The arrival of a new data center is expected to increase connectivity and reliability in the region. “Data centers are the engine of the Internet and the digital economy,” said Google. The company anticipates that its presence can attract new investments, encouraging job creation and the arrival of other high-tech companies to the local digital ecosystem.
Eduardo López said that the project not only brings technological benefits but also socioeconomic ones: “A new data center represents greater and more reliable connectivity for Uruguay and our region, providing a better service for governments, businesses and our communities.”
Community Impact Program
Google has made clear its commitment to the well-being of local communities. Lopez highlighted Google’s commitment to developing this type of infrastructure: “When Google builds a data center, we are committed to generating a positive impact on the local community. We do this through our Community Impact Program.”
This program is dedicated to building lasting ties with local organizations and supporting local initiatives. It focuses on training in digital skills, promoting sustainable projects and other initiatives that generate a positive economic and social impact in the area where they are located.
Google’s investment in Uruguay is seen as an important step towards consolidating the country as an innovative technology hub. The combination of robust infrastructure and skilled local talent positions Uruguay as an attractive partner for high-level technology operations. The project promises not only technological improvements for the region but also significant contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
