Google Opens Winschoten Data Center to Power Dutch AI Economy

Major Infrastructure Investment in Northern Netherlands

Google officially opened its new data center in Winschoten, Groningen on November 18, 2025, marking a significant expansion of the company's European cloud infrastructure. The facility, built on a 44-hectare site with an investment between €600 million and €1.1 billion, will support Google's AI-powered services including Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps. The opening strengthens the Google Cloud region in the Netherlands, which forms part of the company's global network of 42 regions delivering high-performance, low-latency services to businesses building AI solutions.

Sustainability at the Core

The Winschoten facility showcases Google's commitment to energy efficiency, featuring rooftop solar panels and advanced air-cooling technology that limits water usage to domestic levels. The data center is equipped with off-site heat recovery systems, making waste heat available for future district heating networks to warm local homes, schools, and businesses. Google has supported more than 1 gigawatt of clean energy generation capacity in the Netherlands and signed a groundbreaking power purchase agreement with Shell that extends the lifespan of an offshore wind farm for the first time through a corporate PPA.

Substantial Economic Impact

Google's data center investments in the Netherlands have generated an estimated €1.96 billion in annual GDP contributions from 2022 to 2024, while supporting an average of 12,600 jobs per year. Research commissioned by Google found that generative AI adoption could boost the Netherlands' GDP by €80-85 billion over ten years, representing approximately 9% growth. The company has invested more than €3.7 billion total in Dutch digital infrastructure, working with nearly 160 local suppliers including 77 from Groningen province.

Local Employment and Skills Development

The Winschoten data center and Google's broader Netherlands operations currently employ approximately 700 people in roles ranging from computer technicians and engineers to security and facilities management. "Digital infrastructure is the backbone of the digital economy, needed to fulfill the country's AI ambitions," said Marco Ynema, Google's data center lead in the Netherlands. The facility creates dozens of structured jobs across technology, administrative, and support functions.

Circular Economy Partnership

Google announced a partnership with the municipality of Oldambt, WerkPro, Afeer, and Cosis to develop a Circular Centre adjacent to the data center. The 196-square-meter facility will employ approximately 10 full-time workers and process 10 to 12 tons of material annually through repair services and electrical goods dismantling. The center will also guide 12 students annually in practical, circular economy-focused learning, promoting both social inclusion and sustainable business practices.

Community Investment Continues

Since 2018, Google has contributed over €2.5 million to communities surrounding its Dutch facilities, supporting more than 80 initiatives focused on education and digital skills development. Alderman Erich Wünker, representing the municipality of Oldambt, praised the collaboration, stating that Google demonstrates clear commitment to the local economy and regional employment. Construction on the site began in December 2023, with the company maintaining strong ties to local suppliers and community organizations throughout the development process.