Search engine giant Google plans to open a $600 million new data center on the site of a soon-to-be-retired coal plant in Jackson County, Ala.
The facility, the site of Tennessee Valley Authority's Widows Creek coal plant, is expected to undergo construction starting in 2016.
According to Google, the data center will employ up to 75 employees in a variety of full-time and contractor roles, including computer technicians and engineers. As is the case with other Google data centers, the facility is expected to be fully powered by renewable energy.
However, a Google spokesperson says the specifics have not been finalized.
‘The site will be 100% renewably powered, but we don't have any specific deals done on the energy side yet, since it will take a year-plus to construct the site and bring it online.’
