Overview
In early June 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing arm of Amazon, announced a major investment in Richmond County, North Carolina. The company plans to spend $10 billion to build a large-scale data center and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campus. This move is part of Amazon’s strategy to meet the growing demand for AI-driven technologies and cloud computing infrastructure.
📍 Location and Scope
- It will consist of up to 20 data center buildings, which will house cloud infrastructure, servers, and AI systems that support both Amazon’s services and its enterprise customers.
- The campus will be located in Energy Way Industrial Park in Richmond County, covering approximately 800 acres.
👷 Job Creation and Economic Impact
- The project is expected to create at least 500 permanent jobs, with roles in areas such as:
- Data center operations
- Network engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Facilities maintenance
- Thousands of indirect jobs are also expected during the construction phase and in supporting industries (e.g., logistics, real estate, food services).
🏫 Community Support Initiatives
- Amazon has established the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund, with an initial contribution of $150,000.
- The fund will support projects related to:
- K–12 education
- Local nonprofit organizations
- Sustainability and economic development initiatives
💡 Infrastructure Development
- As part of the project, Richmond County will see improvements in:
- Water and wastewater systems
- Electrical grid enhancements
- Fiber optic and broadband infrastructure
- These upgrades will benefit both the data center and the wider community, and will not require local taxpayer funding.
🌍 Strategic Importance
- This project reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to scale its AI and cloud services in response to increased global demand.
- The North Carolina location was chosen due to:
- Availability of land and reliable utilities
- Access to a trainable workforce
- State-level economic development incentives
- It strengthens North Carolina’s growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub in the Southeastern U.S.
📈 Business Context
- Amazon’s investment aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where companies are rapidly expanding data infrastructure to support AI tools, machine learning models, and large-scale computing.
- As of early June 2025, Amazon’s stock performance has been strong, reflecting investor confidence in its long-term AI and cloud strategy.
Summary
Amazon’s $10 billion investment in a new AI and cloud campus in North Carolina is one of the company’s largest infrastructure projects in the U.S. It’s designed to support the next generation of cloud and AI technologies while creating jobs, enhancing local infrastructure, and contributing to workforce development. This move signals Amazon’s continued leadership in cloud computing and its commitment to regional economic growth.