DC01UK’s planning application for a new state-of-the-art data centre gets a green light.
A bid to build Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre has been backed by planners in Hertfordshire, UK.
The £3.75bn DC01UK facility gets a green light just one week after the UK Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan outlining the economic growth opportunities presented by the AI revolution, in which new data centres will play a pivotal role.
DC01UK, when built, will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre – with up to two million square feet of space.
The location of the data centre brings together the key pillars needed to fulfil the existing cloud shortfall and cater for the large increase in demand expected in future years – this includes a power reservation of 400MVA from UK’s National Grid.
Economic projections estimate the construction value of the project at £3.75bn with a year-round generation of £21.4m in business rates once the data centre is operational.
The positive economic impact of the data centre would also see the creation of 500 skilled on-site jobs during the construction phase, 200 permanent, skilled jobs once up and running and a further 13,740 indirect jobs, 10,900 of which would be in the UK’s Southeast.
DC01UK is also estimated to generate approximately £1.1 billion per annum GVA (Gross Value Added) indirectly per year.
The landscape-led scheme is set in 85 acres of grounds, 54% of which will be retained as green, open space, with a 10% net biodiversity gain.
A spokesperson for DC01UK said: ““With planning for this important piece of Critical National Infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy.”
Project advisor Stephen Beard, Head of Data Centres, Knight Frank, said: “DC01UK is a first of its kind. The largest data centre development in Europe in the world’s second largest market, which is perfectly positioned in its ability to service the ever-increasing cloud demand today whilst accommodating the AI needs of tomorrow. A first and great example of the UK’s shift towards becoming a dominant superpower in cloud, AI and general digital infrastructure.”
