Alphabet Inc.'s
What Happened: Google's investment will be spread over the next two years and will be directed towards states within the PJM Interconnection, the largest electric grid in the U.S., reported CNBC. The company will also invest $3 billion to modernize two hydropower plants in Pennsylvania, targeting the growing energy needs of data centers and AI operations in the area.
This initiative falls under a larger framework agreement between Google and Brookfield Asset Management to acquire 3,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power across the United States.
This investment comes at a time when PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest electric grid, is grappling with surging electricity demand from data centers and related industries. The grid covers 13 states across the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South, including northern Virginia, home to the world's largest data center market.
Why It Matters: This investment aligns with Google's recent efforts to bolster its AI capabilities. Just a few days ago, the tech giant finalized a $2.4 billion agreement to license technology from AI coding startup Windsurf. This deal also involved hiring Windsurf's CEO and a select group of its employees. Additionally, Google has been offering substantial salaries to software engineers to stay competitive in the escalating war for AI talent.
Meanwhile, other tech giants are also making significant investments in AI infrastructure. Meta Platforms Inc.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump will join White House Cabinet members along with tech and energy executives at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh to discuss AI investment in Pennsylvania.
Alphabet offers average Momentum and Value, while scoring well on the Growth and Quality metric as per Benzinga's Proprietary Edge Rankings.
