{
  "id": 11666643,
  "title": "Nvidia-backed Neocloud Nscale faces years of delay because UK's 'largest AI supercomputer' can't get enough power from the grid to feed its data centers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/nvidia-backed-neocloud-nscale-faces-years-of-delay-because-uks",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-03T11:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/pro/nvidia-backed-neocloud-nscale-faces-years-of-delay-because-uks-largest-ai-supercomputer-cant-get-enough-power-from-the-grid-to-feed-its-data-centers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A planned AI data center in Loughton, Essex, which was to become the UK's largest AI supercomputer, is facing a years-long delay due to insufficient power supply from the grid. The project, backed by Nvidia, was expected to launch in 2027 but now appears unlikely to come online anytime soon.\n\nNscale, the company behind the data center, had initially announced the facility in March 2026, but UK Power Networks has now revealed that the electricity grid cannot provide enough power for the site until the early 2030s. The 90MW power requirement for the Loughton data center is equivalent to the energy demand of approximately 315,000 homes.\n\nThe UK's National Grid is grappling with a backlog of over 300 data centers needing power, with total demand exceeding 60% of the country's current capacity. The National Grid representative stated that they are working closely with Nscale, distribution network operators, and customers to identify opportunities to accelerate connections and support economic growth.\n\nThe power supply issues are not limited to the Loughton project. A recent report by Ofgem revealed that 315 data centers are awaiting connection to the National Grid, representing a demand of 73GW, which is 62% more than the UK's current capacity of 45GW. This surge in demand is largely driven by the growing need for AI infrastructure.\n\nIn response to the power capacity challenges, some data center developers are planning to construct their own gas-fired power stations. Around 100 data centers are reportedly considering this approach, which would lead to the creation of 100GW of additional power capacity in the UK.\n\nThe UK's approach to power generation has shifted over the past 25 years, with a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources and reduced reliance on nuclear power. Gas has become the fallback option. However, the escalating demand for AI infrastructure has highlighted the need to reconsider this strategy urgently.",
  "summary": "The UK’s largest AI data center has had its 2027 launch date postponed, and is unlikely to come online until at least 2030, thanks to power supply issues",
  "key_points": [
    "Loughton AI supercomputer project delayed due to insufficient grid power",
    "Nscale's 90MW data center needs early 2030s power supply",
    "UK faces 315 data centers awaiting grid connection"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}