Officials hugely underestimated impact of AI datacentres on UK carbon emissions
Summary
The UK government greatly underestimated the carbon emissions from AI data centers, now estimating they could produce up to 123 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next 10 years. This new figure is much higher than the previous estimate and raises concerns about the environmental impact of expanding AI infrastructure.Key Facts
- New data shows AI data centers in the UK could emit up to 123 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2035.
- This amount of emissions is similar to what 2.7 million people generate over 10 years.
- Earlier government estimates claimed emissions would peak at only 0.142 million tonnes in one year but were removed.
- AI data centers use much more electricity than regular data centers and mostly rely on fossil fuels.
- The planned AI expansion could cause 0.9% to 3.4% of the UK’s total emissions from 2025 to 2035.
- Emission levels depend on improvements in AI efficiency and how quickly the UK moves to cleaner energy.
- An independent watchdog and news group exposed the government’s low estimates, prompting the revision.
- Officials have made no public comment on the updated figures.
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