UK government does not know what datacentres are being used for, FoI request shows
Summary
The UK government does not know how many data centers exist or what they are being used for, according to a freedom of information request. There are growing worries about the environmental effects of these centers, which use lots of energy and water, and about the government allowing new ones to be built without enough local oversight.Key Facts
- The UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology did not have information on who uses the largest data centers or their purpose.
- Hundreds of data centers are waiting for planning approval, and 315 want to connect to the National Grid for electricity.
- The government made data centers "critical national infrastructure" in 2024, which may give them priority over homes during droughts because they use a lot of water.
- Two planned UK data centers could produce more carbon emissions than ExxonMobil’s UK operations.
- A new government scheme allows some data centers to avoid local planning committees and get approval quickly from the national government.
- Campaigners want a pause on building new data centers until there are clear environmental rules, including use of renewable energy.
- Water companies warn the UK does not have enough water to support the rapid growth of data centers.
- Some fear data centers may be used for harmful AI applications, but there is no clear information on this from the government.
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