The number of data centres across the UK is projected to increase by almost a fifth, with nine proposed in Wales. This rise is linked to the growing demand for processing power driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Data centres, which house powerful computers for digital services, are classified by the UK government as critical national infrastructure. Senedd research indicates that most jobs in the UK now rely on them.
However, communities near proposed and existing sites are expressing concerns. Residents in Newport, south Wales, have cited noise, visual impact, and potential effects on house prices due to a large data centre campus. Campaigners in Cardiff are also worried about proposals for a data centre campus in Llanrumney, citing environmental impact and the potential loss of a park-and-ride service.
The significant resources required by data centres, including electricity, grid capacity, and water, are also a concern. Ofgem reported that electricity requests from data centre projects seeking grid connection rose from 41GW to 125GW in the past year. Water UK estimates data centres use approximately 6.6 million litres of water daily, equivalent to 20,000 average homes.
Environmental group Friends of the Earth is calling for a UK-wide pause on new data centres until clear rules are established regarding their energy and water consumption.