Amazon and Google invest $25B in Missouri data centers

Missouri is emerging as a key destination for hyperscale data center investment, with Amazon and Google announcing multibillion-dollar projects in Montgomery County. The combined $25 billion commitment underscores a shift in strategy as operators seek regions with sufficient power capacity and favorable economic conditions amid constraints in traditional hubs like Northern Virginia and Ohio.

The announcements arrive as hyperscalers face growing pressure to secure energy resources for AI-driven infrastructure. Missouri’s regulatory environment and available land have positioned it as a viable alternative, though the long-term impact on local utilities and communities remains under scrutiny.

What happened

Amazon revealed plans this week to build a $10 billion data center campus in Montgomery County, a project expected to generate over 400 permanent jobs and thousands of construction roles. The company stated it will fully fund utility infrastructure extensions and electric service for the site, ensuring existing customers do not bear the costs. Amazon also emphasized water efficiency, noting its cooling systems will rely on outside air for most of the year, with water-based cooling used less than 7% of the time.

Google had previously announced a $15 billion data center project in the same county last month, bringing the total investment in the region to $25 billion. Neither company has disclosed the expected power demand for their facilities, though project materials identify Amazon’s development as "Project Green," spanning roughly 1,000 acres near New Florence. Construction is already underway, with groundbreaking activities reported in April 2026.

Why it matters

The investments highlight a broader industry trend as hyperscalers expand beyond saturated markets. Matt Kimball, vice president and principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noted that power availability and economic incentives are now primary drivers for site selection. "This isn’t about Montgomery County or Missouri, particularly," Kimball told Data Center Knowledge. "This is about power and economics."

The projects also reflect evolving community expectations. Ihab Osman, an AI strategist, observed that operators are preemptively addressing concerns about infrastructure costs and resource allocation. "Amazon is not only announcing a data center campus," Osman said. "It is pre-answering the two questions that now determine whether these projects can move: who pays for the infrastructure, and who absorbs the local resource impact."

"Amazon is not only announcing a data center campus. It is pre-answering the two questions that now determine whether these projects can move: who pays for the infrastructure, and who absorbs the local resource impact." — Ihab Osman, AI strategist (Data Center Knowledge)

Missouri’s regulatory framework is adapting to these developments. Governor Kehoe’s Executive Order 26-02, issued in January 2026, directs state agencies to assess energy regulations and infrastructure planning to accommodate data center growth. A report on findings is due by November 30, 2026.

What to watch

The cluster effect observed in other markets may replicate in Missouri. Kimball suggested that Amazon’s decision could attract additional operators, similar to patterns in Northern Virginia and Central Ohio. However, the region’s ability to sustain long-term growth hinges on utility capacity and regulatory support.

State agencies are expected to release their energy infrastructure report later this year, which could shape future investment decisions. Meanwhile, the projects’ impact on local water and power resources will be closely monitored, particularly as AI workloads drive further demand for high-density infrastructure.