Computing power consumes lots of energy
The UK’s data centre market is experiencing exceptional growth, a trajectory driven by increasing data demands and boosted by the government’s recent commitment to making artificial intelligence (AI) a pillar of UK economic growth.
As a backbone of the digital world, data centres have also been categorised as critical infrastructure by the UK government.
However, their high energy use means that this rapid expansion in the UK comes with challenges . Chief among them is how we manage the tension between technological advancement and our Net Zero and renewable energy goals.
"There is a unique opportunity to prove that a high-tech future can coexist with a low-carbon economy "
Shahid Rahman
EMEA Data Centre Strategic Account Lead
Major growth
The UK is home to approximately 487 data centres, making it the third-largest market globally, behind only the United States and Germany.
Recent announcements highlight the sector’s growth trajectory: Google is developing a 33-acre data campus in Hertfordshire, Kao Data is expanding its Manchester presence with a £350 million facility, and the Humber Tech Park will soon host a £2 billion hyperscale data centre.
These projects not only underscore the economic potential of data centres but also demonstrate their strategic importance to the economy, and the UK’s important position as a host to global players in this sector.
Opportunities and challenges
This fast-growing environment presents opportunities for the construction, technology, and energy sectors.
But balanced against this promised opportunity for growth we can’t overlook the fact that data centres are among the most energy-intensive infrastructure projects.
Globally, they account for approximately 2%–3% of carbon emissions, a figure set to rise as demand for computing power grows. The European Union estimates that data centres could consume up to 13% of global electricity by 2030 if current trends continue.
Cooling systems alone contribute to nearly half of a typical data centre’s energy consumption, making energy efficiency a critical focus for operators and policymakers.
Growth versus net zero
In this context, the UK faces dual imperatives: advancing its digital infrastructure while pursuing net zero targets.
To reconcile these objectives, the data centre industry is embracing energy-efficient and sustainable cooling technologies. One promising innovation is liquid cooling, which transfers heat more efficiently than traditional air-cooled systems.
This technology not only reduces energy use but also offers a smaller operational footprint and quieter performance. Major players like Microsoft are adopting liquid cooling in cutting-edge facilities, although air-cooled systems remain dominant in many existing centres.
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