Just Two Of The UK’s Planned AI Datacenters Will Emit More Carbon Than ExxonMobil

A new analysis has revealed that just two of the UK's planned AI datacenters will emit more carbon than ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest fossil fuel companies. This analysis comes amid growing pushback from communities against datacenter projects. More than 500 counties and municipalities have either delayed or banned datacenter developments due to their unpopularity.

The two datacenters in question, Wapseys Wood and Quest Park, are projected to emit over 4.5 million tonnes of carbon once fully operational. This level of emissions exceeds ExxonMobil's 3.9 million tonnes emitted in 2023. Additionally, the datacenter industry's high energy demand poses challenges for the UK's electricity grid and water supply, exacerbating issues related to the climate crisis and water shortages.