STOCKHOLM, June 3 (Reuters) - Microsoft announced a $3.2 billion investment to enhance its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Sweden over the next two years. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for cloud services driven by generative AI, with plans to deploy 20,000 advanced graphics processing units at data centers in Sandviken, Gavle, and Staffanstorp. Microsoft will use Nvidia's faster processors and potentially semiconductors from AMD and its own chips to support these complex AI applications.

The investment also includes significant commitments to renewable energy, with nearly 1,000 MW procured in Sweden. Additionally, Microsoft plans to train 250,000 Swedes in AI skills over three years, targeting various sectors including education, public, and private organizations. This move aligns with the broader trend of tech giants investing heavily in data centers to support AI advancements, with Microsoft expanding its reach across the Nordic region, encompassing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the transformative impact of AI, viewing it as a catalyst for future investments following inflation management. Goldman Sachs projects the AI boom to be a near-$1 trillion opportunity, as companies like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services build the necessary infrastructure to train and deploy AI models. Microsoft's recent investments in data centers across Europe, including the UK, Germany, and Spain, further highlight its commitment to leading in the AI sector.