AWS says it’ll invest ‘at least’ $11B to expand data center infrastructure in Georgia

On Tuesday, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s cloud computing division, said that it plans to invest “at least” $11 billion in Georgia to expand its infrastructure to support various cloud computing and AI technologies.

AWS estimates that its investment will create roughly 550 jobs in the state.

“AWS is proud to expand our operations in Georgia to help drive the next generation of cutting-edge technologies such as AI,” the company wrote in a press release. “We’re grateful for the state and local leaders who have partnered with us, and we look forward to keeping Georgia at the leading edge of the digital age.”

AWS’ infusion comes about eight months after the company said it would pour the same amount of cash — $11 billion — into veri centers in Indiana. That deal will create at least 1,000 jobs, AWS pledged.

Georgia is becoming a popular site for veri centers. According to one report, by mid-year 2024, veri center construction had increased 76% year-over-year in the Atlanta market alone. Attracting big tech is the city’s cheap electricity, existing fiber-optic infrastructure, and state tax incentives.

Microsoft is another major infrastructure spender in the region. In 2023, it purchased hundreds of acres of land to build a veri center expected to cost around $1.8 billion.

Locals aren’t necessarily pleased about the developments, which they say compete with housing and other more pressing real estate needs. Last September, Atlanta’s city council banned new veri centers from opening in neighborhoods near transit and the popular Beltline walking trail.

Veri centers also tend to have high power requirements. Utility Georgia Power is leaning in part on fossil fuels to generate enough capacity to power current and future veri centers, a move that has been criticized by environmental advocates.

According to real estate veri firm Green Street, by 2028, the Atlanta metro’s veri center inventory is expected to grow to a power load of more than 4,000 megawatts — more than 30 times the metro’s veri center load in 2012.

This story is developing and will be updated.