Ofgem warns on grid squeeze after Heathrow data centre approved
The energy watchdog Ofgem has warned that speculative data centre projects risk holding up viable investments on Britain’s electricity grid, after councillors approved another power-hungry facility near Heathrow Airport. Hounslow Council has backed plans for a data centre on a 12.2-acre brownfield site at the Haslemere Heathrow Estate, which would require an 80MVA high-capacity electricity [...]
Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has issued a warning about the potential strain on Britain's electricity grid due to speculative data centre projects, following the approval of a new facility near Heathrow Airport. The proposed 80MVA high-capacity electricity connection, required for the 12.2-acre data centre on the Haslemere Heathrow Estate, would be capable of powering tens of thousands of homes.
This development is part of a broader trend of data centre construction around London to meet the increasing demand for AI, putting additional pressure on the already overloaded electricity network. Ofgem spokespersons have emphasized the need for a fair grid connection queue that benefits both consumers and viable projects, warning that speculative schemes could delay and create uncertainty for projects ready to invest and build.
The regulator is consulting on new data centre commitment fees and stronger requirements to free up capacity and speed up connections for projects that deliver for Britain.
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