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’ investment comes about eight months after the company said it would pour the same amount of capital — $11 billion — into data centers in Indiana.
Georgia is becoming a popular site for data centers. According to one report, by mid-year 2024, data 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 data 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 data centers from opening in neighborhoods near transit and the popular Beltline walking trail.
This story is developing and will be updated.