AI data centres could undermine UK's emissions goals

The UK government's plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 may be jeopardised by its new approach to AI data centres, according to BBC research. During the Chancellor John Healey's recent Budget speech, it was revealed that four planned hyperscale data centres, including three in the south of England, are contemplating the use of gas-fired power to meet their electricity requirements.

This move could significantly increase CO2 emissions, surpassing those produced by Manchester, Liverpool, and Southampton combined. Labour MP Toby Perkins, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, warned that an increased reliance on natural gas is not a viable long-term solution. The government maintains that data centres are crucial to Britain's economy and that its Data Centre Covenant sets expectations for developers to bear the costs they impose on the energy system and benefit local communities.

However, Ofgem, the energy market regulator, reports that data centre developers are seeking connections totaling 72 gigawatts, while the peak electricity demand across the country last year was only 45 gigawatts. Consequently, some developers are facing a waiting period of up to 10 years for grid connections, as the national electricity grid is already struggling to meet demand.

The BBC's investigation found that some data centres are considering on-site gas-fired power stations to bridge the gap. If these projects continue to run at full capacity, they could generate 1.3 gigawatts of power and emit 4.1 million tonnes of carbon annually, potentially more than the cities of Manchester, Liverpool, and Southampton jointly.

Environmental campaigners have expressed concerns about the potential local air pollution, noise, and water usage associated with these on-site gas-fired power stations. The situation raises the question of whether the pursuit of AI data centres could impede the UK's progress towards achieving its net zero targets.