UK AI data centres could emit 4.1 million tonnes of CO2 a year

Nov 3, 2026
Four planned hyperscale data centres are considering gas fired power while awaiting grid connections. Together, they could require 1.3 gigawatts and emit 4.1 million tonnes of CO2 annually at full capacity.

Four planned hyperscale data centres in the UK are considering gas fired power while awaiting grid connections, according to BBC research. Together, they could require 1.3 gigawatts and emit an estimated 4.1 million tonnes of CO2 a year if they ran continuously at full capacity.

The UK Government set out a Data Centre Covenant in last Wednesday's Budget. The policy offers priority grid connections in exchange for local investment, jobs and water protections, while permitting developers to generate power on site where connections are unavailable.

Ofgem says data centre developers are seeking grid connections totalling 72 gigawatts, compared with peak UK electricity demand of 45 gigawatts last year. Some projects could wait up to 10 years for connections as the grid reaches capacity in many areas.

At Acre Slough, west of London, developers could use gas engines with up to 49.5 megawatts of capacity while awaiting a connection. Toby Perkins, chair of Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee, said a substantial increase in natural gas use should not be permitted.

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