The policy allows operators to bypass severe grid backlogs by building local power generation to support expanding technology needs. Research indicates that just four proposed hyperscale facilities burning gas could produce 4.1 million tonnes of annual carbon emissions. The government's Data Centre Covenant attempts to balance priority access with local benefits, yet developers still face connection waits stretching up to 10 years.
Key points
On-site natural gas power could emit more carbon than Manchester, Liverpool, and Southamp…: On-site natural gas power could emit more carbon than Manchester, Liverpool, and Southampton combined.
Severe national transmission bottlenecks are forcing some data centre projects to endure…: Severe national transmission bottlenecks are forcing some data centre projects to endure decade-long connection delays.
The government introduced a Data Centre Covenant to extract infrastructure costs and comm…: The government introduced a Data Centre Covenant to extract infrastructure costs and community benefits from commercial operators.
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- Published
The UK government's ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 could be undermined by its new deal on AI data centres, according to BBC research.
During Wednesday's Budget speech, Chancellor John Healey said data centres would be allowed to build onsite power generation while they wait for a grid connection.
BBC File on 4 Investigates has discovered that four planned "hyperscale" data centres - including three in the south of England - are already considering using gas-fired power to meet their electricity needs, creating more CO2 than the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Southampton combined.
Labour MP Toby Perkins, who chairs the Environmental Audit Select Committee, said a substantial increase in the use of natural gas "can't be the future".
"Government absolutely shouldn't be in the business of just saying anyone who wants to bring it here, can do whatever you like to power it, because that is not acceptable," he said.
The government said data centres were "essential to Britain's economy" and that its new Data Centre Covenant set clear expectations for developers to pay…
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