Google to build $1B data center in Kansas City; aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy use

Corporate and government officials Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to build a billion-dollar data center in the Kansas City region — supported by new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity.

The facility could open as soon as 2025.

Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, right, speaks during an announcement event for Google’s billion-dollar data center in Kansas City; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds of millions of dollars benefitting our region’s economy in myriad ways, but Google’s global brand will now be directly linked to KC’s rising global brand,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Google joins other international global tech and consumer brands that have recently selected KC for major investments.”

Wednesday’s announcement comes nearly two years to the date of Google rival Meta’s unveiling of plans to build an $800 million data center in the region. That site — east of Kansas City International Airport — is expected to be operational this year.

RELATED: Scoring Google’s $1B data center feels like Super Bowl overtime as KC keeps notching wins, officials say

The new Google data center is set to be located in the Hunt Midwest Business Center on NE Parvin Road. The 2,500-acre established business park boasts more than 68 companies with a wide variety of industries.

Google’s investment in technical infrastructure, including its data centers, plays an essential role in supporting the company’s AI innovations and growing Google Cloud business, the company said. Google’s data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide.

“We have reached an important inflection point for tech innovation like AI, and data centers are the backbone of this progress,” said Monique Picou, global vice president of cloud supply chain and operations for Google. “Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help power America’s digital future and we are excited to contribute to the bright future of the region.”

RELATED: Google’s billion-dollar announcement comes with $100K for NKC schools; Here’s how they’ll use it

KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, Monique Picou, Google, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson pose at Hunt Midwest Business Center to announce a new Google data center planned for Kansas City; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

As part of its commitment to community development, Google said, the company also plans to bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Kansas City area. Google is collaborating with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. All STAR pre-employment programs are paid training programs, and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.

Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City speaks during an announcement event for Google’s billion-dollar data center in Kansas City; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“Technology employs one in 10 workers in Kansas City,” said Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the  Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “We’re thrilled that Google’s presence will add to that significant and growing number of employment opportunities in our great community.”

As part of the Kansas City data center plan, Google is working with Evergy to power the site and Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the grid as part of the company’s ambitious goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy. 

“Our reliable, innovative energy solutions fuel the growth of tomorrow’s digital landscape. We’re proud to power Google’s investment in Kansas City and commend Google for its leadership in technology and commitment to sustainability.” said David Campbell, president and CEO of Evergy.

This story is developing.