Key facts
- Data centre projects are stalling in planning, testing Chancellor Healey's pledge for faster grid connections.
- A new Data Centre Covenant outlines tests for operators seeking government help with grid access and planning.
- Strategic data centers must meet stricter criteria for additional government support.
- Tests include energy costs, local benefit plans, environmental design (PUE 1.3), and job creation.
- The UK government estimates a need for 6GW of AI data centre capacity by 2030.
Chancellor John Healey's commitment to accelerate electricity connections for UK data centers is being tested by ongoing planning delays for numerous projects. The government has introduced a Data Centre Covenant, released on October 28, which details the requirements data center operators must fulfill to receive state assistance in securing grid access and navigating planning processes. Strategic projects will face more stringent conditions.