Britain’s first major AI data centre sparks net zero clash as gas power plans revealed
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Britain's first major AI data centre is set to be powered by gas, sparking concerns over the country's climate commitments. The £2 billion Wapseys Wood development could emit significant carbon dioxide, contradicting the UK's net zero goals.
Britain is set to approve its first 'nationally significant' data centre, Wapseys Wood, despite concerns over its environmental impact. The £2 billion development in Buckinghamshire will be powered by gas, with an on-site turbine generating 270-350 megawatts. The centre is expected to create 400 jobs and meet 5% of the UK's computing demand. Critics argue that the project contradicts the UK's net zero commitments, with estimated annual carbon dioxide emissions of around half a million tonnes. The development reflects a wider trend of data centres turning to on-site gas generation due to grid connection delays. The UK government must balance the need for digital infrastructure with its climate goals.
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