Gas-powered data centres could threaten UK climate goals

The UK government’s push to expand AI infrastructure could undermine its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Four planned hyperscale data centres are considering gas-fired power while awaiting electricity grid connections. If continuously running at full capacity, the projects would require 1.3 gigawatts of power and could produce an estimated 4.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year, potentially exceeding the combined emissions of Manchester, Liverpool and Southampton.

Ofgem says data centre developers are seeking grid connections totalling 72 gigawatts, compared with national peak electricity demand of 45 gigawatts last year. Some developers face waits of up to 10 years for a connection. Under the British Data Centre Covenant, operators would receive priority grid access in exchange for community investment, jobs and protections for water supplies. Developers would also be permitted to generate power onsite where connections are unavailable.

Environmental campaigners warn that gas-powered facilities could increase local air pollution, noise and pressure on water supplies. All four projects say they intend to connect to the grid when capacity becomes available. The government says onsite generation would be tightly controlled, time-limited and restricted to exceptionally strategic projects without sufficient alternatives. It argues that pausing development would drive jobs, investment and data overseas.