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US tech firm digs its claws into UK countryside with 4bn data center plans

Date:
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:32:57 +0000

Description:
A new huge data centre might be coming to your back garden.

FULL STORY

The enormous energy requirements of the modern age have dramatically expanded
since the advent of AI - and have led to higher bills for many of us already. 

Equinix has invested 3.9 billion into an 85-acre site in South Mimms,
Hertfordshire to build a huge data center with 250 megawatt processing
capacity by 2030. 

The UK government has welcomed this news, with Technology Secretary Liz
Kendall commenting: this is a huge win for Britain - perhaps not surprising,
considering its goal to unleash AI onto all sectors of the UK economy , with
hope of making Britain an AI world leader.

Green mitigations 

Theres been a huge increase in the number of data centres in the UK since
2023, with 477 already built, with around 100 more on the way, but these
expansions could bring destruction to the British countryside - and consumers
might foot the bill . 

Energy bills have been a major talking point in British politics for years,
given that they are very often the highest in Europe (and energy company
profits too). Unfortunately, more data centres could mean an unwelcome energy
bill rise for locals - and a strain on the National Grid. But, we can all 
make videos of dogs flying, so thats something! 

Equinix insists its site will be more eco-friendly than this, though, with 
the site committed to using 100% renewable energy. It also claims it will be
air cooled, not placing any extra demand on water (past the usual, like on
site taps, kitchens, and toilets). 

Equinix told TechRadarPro it will, "create new ecological habitats that will
deliver a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%, and the majority (54%) of 
the site will remain as open space and will be managed to enhance
biodiversity." 

"Plans include new woodland planting, wildflower meadows, hedgerow
restoration, and ponds, as well as sustainable drainage systems to prevent
flooding and protect local watercourses." 

 Via: Sky News 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/us-tech-firm-digs-its-claws-into-uk-cou
ntryside-with-gbp4bn-data-center-plans

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