Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to invest USD 11 billion in Georgia to expand its infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies. The investment, focused on Butts and Douglas counties, is expected to create at least 550 high-skill jobs and support thousands of indirect roles in construction and supply chains. This move enhances "Georgia's position as a hub for cutting-edge digital innovation," Amazon said on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
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Demand for Generative AI
The expansion comes amid surging demand for generative AI and cloud services surges. AWS plans to establish data centers capable of supporting advanced computing workloads, including AI and machine learning, the company said.
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Georgia as Innovation Hub
"Generative AI is driving increased demand for advanced cloud infrastructure and compute power, and AWS's investments will support the future of AI from data centers in Georgia. AWS data centers are flexible enough to efficiently run GPUs (graphics processing units) for traditional workloads or AI and machine learning models. This deployment of cutting-edge AI infrastructure will strengthen Georgia's position as an innovation hub," Amazon explained.
AWS's Ongoing Investments Across the US
"AWS's ongoing infrastructure investments across the United States demonstrate our relentless commitment to powering our customers' digital innovation through cloud and AI technologies," said Roger Wehner, vice president of economic development at AWS. "We are delighted to expand our infrastructure into Georgia with this planned multibillion-dollar investment, which we expect to create more than 550 well-paying jobs and drive significant economic growth for the state. State and local leaders have cultivated an environment that enables companies like AWS to make bold, forward-looking investments."
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Commitment to Georgia
Since 2010, Amazon has invested USD 18.5 billion in Georgia, contributing USD 20.1 billion to the state's GDP and supporting 34,000 full- and part-time jobs, as well as 44,700 indirect jobs. Beyond job creation, AWS is introducing educational initiatives like STEAM programs and job training workshops, such as fiber optic fusion splicing, to prepare the workforce for high-demand roles, according to Amazon.
AWS's planned investment is expected to create hundreds of new, direct AWS jobs in technical roles like data center engineers, network specialists, engineering operations managers, security specialists, and many more. In addition to these direct positions, the investment is also expected to support thousands of local construction jobs and positions in the data center supply chain.
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Supported by Local Leaders
Local leaders praised the investment as transformative. Romona Jackson Jones, Douglas County Commission Chairwoman, called it a "game-changer," while Russ Crumbley, Chairman of the Butts County Board of Commissioners, highlighted the long-term benefits for infrastructure and community development.
Sustainability Initiatives
Amazon has also made significant investments in renewable energy, including eight solar farms such as the Bulldog Solar farm, which was partially constructed by local solar technicians. Once fully operational, these projects will generate enough carbon-free energy to power an estimated 123,000 US homes annually.
