Can the UK manage both the cost and carbon from its push for AI growth?

Stuart Stone
clock • 8 min read
Credit: iStock
Image:

Credit: iStock

The UK could power data centres 43 per cent more cheaply with renewables than nuclear, according to a new analysis that argues offshore wind microgrids could power AI growth

The UK currently hosts more than 500 data centres - the third highest of any nation globally - with at least nine more in development and a wave of further projects mooted, as tech companies look to get...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Technology

'Our approach must evolve': Dash for AI sees Microsoft's emissions surge 25 per cent in a year

'Our approach must evolve': Dash for AI sees Microsoft's emissions surge 25 per cent in a year

Company vows to deliver 'responsible growth', despite joining growing list of US tech giants that is struggling to cut carbon emissions while rapidly growing AI capacity

Michael Holder
clock 10 July 2026 • 5 min read
Google admits climate goals 'getting harder' to meet, as AI demand surges

Google admits climate goals 'getting harder' to meet, as AI demand surges

US tech giant's greenhouse gas emissions grew almost a fifth year-on-year in 2025, latest environmental report confirms

Michael Holder
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read
British Gas and Sunsave launch new home battery offer

British Gas and Sunsave launch new home battery offer

Offer removes upfront cost of battery installation, alongside two new smart tariffs that promise to curb bills for households

clock 30 June 2026 • 2 min read