Mississippi is on track to host a record-shattering data centre development, thanks to AWS. The $10 billion project, codenamed Project Atlas, is geared to set up two data centres, making it the heftiest investment ever made in the state.
Outlined in an AWS blog post, the exciting initiative will encompass 1,700 acres and is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs. With an estimated completion date of 2027, the project is not only colossal in scale, but also backed financially by the state government. Mississippi is inclined to invest $44 million mainly in workforce training, and a whopping $215.1 million into local public infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the new development.
Initiated in 2010, AWS’s overall investments in varying sectors in the United States surpasses $108 billion. Particularly in Mississippi, their investment exceeds $2.3 billion, including projects like solar farms, wind farms, and fulfillment centres. The most recent venture indicates a rising trajectory within the digital transformation realm.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves validated the magnitude of investment in the state in a statement. He expressed, “It’s the single largest capital investment that has ever been made in the state of Mississippi – by a lot.”
Seeing an opportunity to leverage the burgeoning tech sector in the state and introduce new, well-paying jobs, AWS wishes to boost the state’s annual Gross Domestic Product. Commending this aspect, Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development, expressed his anticipation for “delivering new workforce development opportunities and educational programs” to inspire future talents across the state.
Recent AWS announcements indicate their global market expansion, diversifying its investments. A $15 billion Japanese investment planned by 2027 aims to bolster existing cloud computing infrastructure in Tokyo and Osaka. Supporting future AI services, like generative AI, to meet consumer demands is the core requirement. Similarly, AWS committed to a $12.7 billion investment in the Indian data centre market by 2030.
In conclusion, AWS continues its endeavours to massively invest in international telecom sectors. With this, they strive to cater to the digital transformation needs of various business landscapes while creating substantial employment opportunities and boosting local economies.