New Datacentres Risk Doubling Great Britain's Electricity Use, Regulator Says

Slashdot

by msmash

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The UK’s electricity demand could nearly double due to an unprecedented surge in new datacentre projects, according to Ofgem. The watchdog revealed that 140 proposed schemes, driven by the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), would require a staggering 50 gigawatts of power—exceeding the nation’s current peak electricity consumption by 5GW. This demand has surged between November 2024 and June last year, surpassing even the most optimistic forecasts. The explosion in datacentre applications highlights the critical role these facilities play as the backbone for AI tools like chatbots and image generators. Datacentres are essential for training and operating advanced AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, which have become integral to modern tech innovation. However, this rapid growth poses a significant challenge to the UK’s energy infrastructure. Ofgem’s consultation on grid connections has revealed that the sheer number of datacentre projects is overwhelming the system. While these facilities are vital for supporting AI advancements, they are competing for grid connectivity with renewable energy projects aimed at meeting the government’s clean energy targets by 2030. The focus on connecting datacentres could delay critical renewable energy connections, potentially hindering efforts to decarbonize and support economic growth. The situation underscores a pressing dilemma: balancing the tech industry’s insatiable demand for power with the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources. As AI continues to evolve, so too does its reliance on energy-intensive datacentres. This could strain the grid further, raising concerns about long-term energy security and sustainability.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/25/2026