Google has formally announced plans to develop a data center campus in Botetourt County

Google has officially announced its intention to develop a new data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia. The tech giant outlined a commitment to responsible digital infrastructure development, focusing on water stewardship, collaborative construction, and investment in the local community and workforce. According to Google, it will be responsible for all energy and infrastructure costs required for the data center's growth. The company is actively collaborating with the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) to explore various cooling options for the site, anticipating a potential water usage of 2 million gallons per day per data center building, all to be pursued under existing regulatory frameworks. Google has also pledged to fund an expansion of Virginia Tech's reservoir monitoring program to include Carvins Cove Reservoir, aiming to enhance understanding of water quality and optimize the WVWA's reservoir system. Gary Larrowe, Botetourt County Administrator, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the partnership with Google will secure the community's financial future and provide new educational and first responder opportunities. Amber Tillman, Head of Data Center Public Affairs for North America at Google, reiterated the company's goal to drive innovation while protecting local resources, ensuring a holistic development approach. Power for the campus will be delivered through the regional grid, and Google has entered a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the entire output of the Rocky Forge Wind project to support its carbon-free energy commitment. Additionally, Google is partnering with Appalachian Voices to fund solar and battery storage installations for community resilience hubs in nearby Southwest Virginia towns.