Two planned datacentres will have higher UK carbon emissions than ExxonMobil, analysis finds
Analysis by the non-profit Foxglove suggests that two planned datacenters in the UK will produce more carbon emissions annually than the fossil fuel company ExxonMobil. The projects are seeking to build on-site gas-fired power stations due to grid connection delays, raising concerns about meeting climate goals.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between the massive energy requirements of AI infrastructure and national climate change commitments.
An artist’s impression of the planned Wapseys Wood datacentre in Buckinghamshire. An artist’s impression of the planned Wapseys Wood datacentre in Buckinghamshire. Datacentres - UK Two planned datacentres will have higher UK carbon emissions than ExxonMobil, analysis finds Exclusive: Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire sites predicted to emit 4.5m tonnes a year when fully running
Prefer the Guardian on Google The carbon emissions from just two planned datacentres in England will exceed all of the fossil fuel company ExxonMobil’s UK emissions, analysis has revealed.
Experts have said this demonstrates the “serious threat” datacentres pose to the UK’s legally binding climate goals.
Analysis by the non-profit group Foxglove reveals that when fully operational, the Wapseys Wood datacentre in Buckinghamshire and the Quest Park datacentre in Bedfordshire will use 1.3GW of power and will produce more than 4.5m tonnes of carbon emissions.
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