Data Centers Fueling Concerns Amidst UK-Wide Decline

A town in the UK, located less than 20 miles from London, has experienced a significant increase in commercial emissions over the past two decades. This rise has raised concerns among local politicians. Government data, covering the period from 2005 to 2023, reveals that Slough, in Berkshire, saw a 52% increase in commercial emissions since 2005. This increase is notably higher than the trends observed in many traditional industrial areas. The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) report indicates that nearly all local authority areas have seen a reduction in commercial sector emissions since 2005. The overall decline is largely attributed to reduced emissions from electricity use, stemming from decreased coal use and increased reliance on renewable energy sources.

Slough stands out as the exception, with the DESNZ attributing the increase to the substantial number of data centers built in the area. Slough is believed to house over 30 data centers, making it a major hub for this technology in Europe. These data centers are crucial for the digital economy, supporting services like streaming platforms and online banking, and are also important for the growing AI industry. The town's appeal as a location for these server banks is due to its fast fiber optic connections, proximity to London, and easy access to Heathrow Airport. Analysis of the data shows that Slough's commercial emissions rose from 183,000 tonnes of CO2 at the beginning of the period to 280,000 tonnes in 2023. In contrast, the entire North East of England saw a significant decrease in similar emissions during the same timeframe.

The report highlights that between 2022 and 2023, greenhouse gas emissions decreased in the vast majority of local authority areas across the UK, aligning with the overall decrease in UK emissions for 2023. The data excludes emissions from aviation, shipping, and military transport. Dexter Smith, the Conservative leader of Slough Council, expressed concern over the data, particularly if the increase is linked to the concentration of data centers. He emphasized the need for planning applications to adhere to stringent emission control and carbon-neutral operating requirements. Venessa Moffat, from The Data Centre Alliance, stated that the demand from people, rather than the technology itself, is the primary driver of the strain on the system. She noted that Slough offers access to a large business and financial ecosystem without the high costs and power constraints of central London.