AI firms urge UK to win public backing for datacentres within a year
AI infrastructure firms have warned ministers that the UK has about 12 months to secure public support for new datacentres, or face protests that could delay or prevent construction. They say local opposition is growing as people question the effects of these facilities on energy bills, the environment and trust in technology companies.
A taskforce including Nvidia, Microsoft and Cisco wants the government to set out how host communities could benefit, potentially through councils keeping more business rates or receiving contributions scaled to each site. Microsoft has pledged $30bn (£22bn) for UK AI infrastructure and has facilities in Acton and Newport, with plans for more. Campaigners welcome the prediction of opposition but dispute whether financial benefits would address residents’ concerns.
- AI firms say the UK has about a year to build local support for datacentres.
- A taskforce wants councils and communities to receive greater benefits.
- Campaigners question whether payments would resolve opposition.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “AI firms say UK has a year to head off datacentre protests before construction is threatened”.