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AI Data Centers Spark UK Protest Over Power and Planet
27 Feb
Summary
- Activists protest AI data centers' environmental and community impact.
- UK's energy grid could face demand from 140 data centers.
- Concerns rise over farmland destruction and resource strain.
Environmental activists are organizing two days of protests across Britain, beginning Friday, to voice opposition to the proliferation of data centers. These facilities are essential for the booming demand for artificial intelligence computing power but are criticized for their significant energy and water consumption.
Coordinated by Global Action Plan, the protests highlight concerns that the unchecked construction of hyperscale AI data centers could jeopardize the UK's climate targets. A major demonstration, the 'March Against The Machines,' is scheduled for Saturday. While the exact number of data centers in Britain is undefined, a November 2024 report identified around 450.
The British energy regulator noted that 140 data centers have indicated plans to connect to the grid, potentially requiring 50 gigawatts of power, a figure exceeding the nation's peak electricity demand. Companies like OpenAI are developing community plans for their AI data center operations. However, local communities in areas like Havering and Buckinghamshire are expressing strong opposition due to the destruction of farmland and inappropriate siting in green belt areas, advocating for a moratorium on new developments until thorough public engagement occurs.
