Google announces €5 billion investment in Belgian data centre, creating 300 jobs

Google has unveiled plans to invest 5 billion euros between 2026 and 2027 to expand its data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Hainaut, the US tech giant announced during the Belgian economic mission to California. The move will create 300 full-time jobs, and an estimated 15,000 indirect positions annually among partners and suppliers.

The expansion is driven by growing demand for cloud services, fuelled by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. It will also boost the performance of key Google products such as Search and Maps. 

Google is seeking IT specialists, engineers and security staff for the new site. “For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI”, said Tom De Block, Google’s Belux country manager. “Infrastructure is crucial, but so are skills.” 

The company will also offer AI training to strengthen local expertise. 

“For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI”

Due for completion within two years, the expanded centre will benefit data-driven organisations such as Odoo and UZ Leuven, and could help attract new businesses to Belgium. It will also enable public institutions to store data within national borders. 

To meet the site’s energy needs sustainably, Google has signed new deals with Eneco, Luminus and Renner to build 110 megawatts of wind and solar capacity.

Since opening its first Belgian data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Google has invested over 11 billion euros in the country and now employs around 600 people in Hainaut.

^{© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}