UK Data Centers Plan On-Site Gas Plants

Proposals for two large data centers in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire have ignited concerns among local councillors regarding the inclusion of on-site gas power stations. Councillor Ed Gemmell of Buckinghamshire Council has labeled these proposals "insane," highlighting the potential environmental impact. While data centers are designated as "critical infrastructure" by the government, which also suggests AI's environmental benefits outweigh data center emissions, local officials remain apprehensive.

One proposal from Quest Park in Bedfordshire, a £9.5bn project, aims to create over 1,000 jobs. Separately, SDC Capital Partners proposes a facility in Buckinghamshire, expected to provide 400 jobs and situated within the Slough Availability Zone, the UK's largest data center cluster. Both companies cite "resilience" and reduced strain on the National Grid as reasons for on-site gas power, though they intend to connect to the grid later.

Campaign groups like Foxglove estimate the combined annual greenhouse gas emissions from both plants could reach 4.5 million tonnes if gas-powered, significantly more than Luton Airport's emissions. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit supports these calculations. Quest Park's director acknowledged renewable energy integration as "sensible" but dependent on feasibility, while SDC Capital Partners stated their energy solutions are still under development.

The planning process, where data centers can be approved by the government as nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), has drawn criticism for making communities feel "blindsided." Councillor Rebecca Hare noted the conflict between national strategy, which requires gas power, and net-zero goals. The government maintains that not building data centers would harm investment and national security, but developers are urged to prioritize clean power and community benefits.