Government Data Centre Plans Raise Concerns Over Net Zero Commitments

Plans for a £2 billion gas-powered data centre in Buckinghamshire have ignited fears that the UK government’s ambition to become a leader in artificial intelligence may contradict its net-zero objectives. The proposed Wapseys Wood data centre aims to include a new gas-fired power station to ensure a reliable power supply, as outlined in planning documents.

This development would feature up to three hyperscale data centre buildings, each requiring around 100 megawatts of power, along with an on-site gas turbine energy generation centre capable of producing between 270 megawatts and 350 megawatts. If approved, this facility would stand among the top ten data centres either built or already sanctioned in the country.

Developers assert that the project will create approximately 400 jobs and contribute about 5 per cent of the UK’s domestic computing power demand over the next five years. However, delays in securing direct electricity network connections have prompted many data centre developers to contemplate constructing their own gas-fired power stations or relying on the gas network.

Reports indicate that gas networks have received 113 applications from data centre developers in the past two years, with enquiries significantly rising in 2025 compared to the previous year. Seven data centre applications have successfully reached agreements to connect to the gas network, which could potentially consume enough gas to heat 1.3 million homes. This situation raises significant questions about the sustainability of such projects.

Toby Perkins, Labour MP and chair of the environmental audit committee, expressed concern that a limited number of data centres could demand energy equivalent to that of millions of homes. He cautioned that while data centres may contribute to economic growth, approving projects that endanger the transition to net-zero should be approached with caution.

Experts warn that the gas power station at Wapseys Wood could emit half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, while the UK’s total emissions currently stand at approximately 367 million tonnes. Activists have criticized the developers for not presenting the data centre as environmentally friendly in any capacity.

The urgency for additional data centres stems from a burgeoning demand for computing power. Major tech companies in the United States have already started incorporating on-site generators to mitigate delays in connecting to the grid, with some planning extensive natural gas facilities to fulfil their energy requirements.

Under current regulations, proposed gas-fired power plants are required to demonstrate how they will achieve decarbonisation in the future. The Wapseys Wood project claims it plans to transition to clean-burning hydrogen; however, experts suggest that the UK is still in the early stages of developing this low-carbon alternative.

In light of these developments, a government spokesperson stated that data centres are essential for stimulating growth and that the integration of AI will increasingly help tackle environmental challenges. Efforts are underway to enhance energy costs and expedite grid connections for qualifying data centre projects.