Microsoft abandons UK AI supercomputer as grid struggles to keep up
Tech giant walks away from flagship Essex project as power connection delays threaten to leave nation's AI ambitions waiting until the 2030s
Microsoft has called off its plans to build Britain's largest AI supercomputer due to power grid issues, according to sources. The company terminated its agreement with AI infrastructure startup Nscale for a datacenter in Loughton, Essex. The grid struggles to provide enough electricity for the facility, which was supposed to begin operating in 2027.
Microsoft was expected to be the anchor customer, and the site was to house 23,040 Nvidia GPUs. Nscale insists the project is still on track and is exploring alternative power sources. The grid challenges are not limited to Essex; Ofgem has proposed charging developers for connection requests to discourage speculative projects.
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