Google data centers, tech projects coming to Roanoke Valley
Google is investing $3 billion to build a hyperscale data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, expected to create 150 jobs. The project faces significant opposition from residents concerned about the extensive water and energy usage. Local officials, however, highlight the economic benefits and existing utility capacity to support the development.
Google plans a significant $3 billion investment to establish a hyperscale data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, specifically within the county's Botetourt Center at Greenfield industrial park. The project is anticipated to create at least 150 new jobs by 2030 and convert a large, previously unused plot into a taxable property without public investment, according to Kyle Rosner, Botetourt's director of economic development, and County Administrator Gary Larrowe.
However, the development has sparked considerable opposition from local residents, who have formed the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance and protested county meetings. A primary concern is the data center's potential water consumption, with agreements showing it could use up to 8 million gallons daily at full buildout, though starting with 2 million gallons per day. Residents like Ben Verschoor express alarm over the use of limited natural resources and the broader implications of AI technology driving demand for such facilities. Officials counter these concerns by stating the regional water system has an excess capacity of 15 million gallons daily and that Appalachian Power also has ample electricity capacity.
Discussions between Botetourt County and Google began in early 2024, with Google operating under an alternative company name for confidentiality. Details emerged publicly after Google purchased 312 acres for $14 million in June 2025, and further specifics were filed with the county in February, revealing plans for three data centers totaling approximately 921,000 square feet. Google officially announced the scope of the project in late March. The article also briefly mentions other regional tech and manufacturing projects, such as Virginia Tech's partnership with Aclara for rare earth mineral refining and the opening of the RoVa Labs biotech incubator in Roanoke.