Saint-Ghislain (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Google will invest €5 billion in AI infrastructure in Belgium, expanding data centres in Saint-Ghislain and Farciennes, creating 15,000 jobs, and supporting clean energy, and creating 300 new full time jobs, said Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
As VRT News reported, google will invest €5 billion in new AI infrastructure in Saint-Ghislain, municipality of Wollonia, Belgium. They mentioned that the plan will expand the company’s network of data centres and strengthen Belgium’s role in Europe’s cloud and artificial intelligence sector.
What will google’s €6 billion investment mean for Belgium’s digital future?
The investment adds to Google’s long-running base in Saint-Ghislain and supports the new Farciennes site, where construction has already started. The new centres will handle large volumes of digital data and power advanced AI systems. They are designed to run on carbon-free electricity. The project supports Google’s global goal to operate entirely on clean energy by 2030.
Officials mentioned that Belgium has become an important location for technology growth due to its strong internet network, stable power supply, and skilled workforce. Google Cloud already serves Belgian companies and organizations, including Odoo and UZ Leuven, which use the platform to develop and scale AI-based tools. These services help improve digital work in healthcare, research, and business.
They mentioned that the expansion will create new construction and technology jobs and boost economic activity in Wallonia. It is also expected to attract more international investment to Belgium’s growing tech industry.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Google’s new multibillion-euro investment is a clear sign of trust in Belgium as a center for digital growth and green technology. He said the plan will expand the country’s cloud and AI infrastructure, create new jobs, and support the switch to carbon-free energy.
“For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s crucial that companies embrace Al. Infrastructure is key to this,”
explained Tom De Block, country manager of Google Belux, from Sunnyvale
“But skills are also important.”
A 2024 study by Implement Consulting Group, commissioned by Google, showed that artificial intelligence could raise Belgium’s Gross Domestic Product by €45 to €50 billion over the next 10 years. The report said most jobs will be supported or improved by AI, with only a small number at risk of automation.
Google already works with about 150 Belgian suppliers, including 80 in Wallonia, to support its data centre operations. With this new investment, the company expects to help create around 15,000 jobs a year through its local partners and contractors.
Google Cloud is a service that enables organizations to leverage remote computing and storage instead of hosting their own servers. Google Cloud enables organizations to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and scale more effectively.
The platform also provides top-notch security for data, ongoing updates, and reliable service. Companies rely on Google Cloud because of its valuable digital applications and consistent systems that meet the demands of today’s business environment.
Google was first active in Belgium in 2007 when it opened its first data centre in Europe located in Saint-Ghislain, near Mons. Since then, the company has invested over €5 billion on the Belgian digital infrastructure.
