The new Google Data Centre in Essex is projected to emit over 500 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Spanning 52 hectares (128 acres), the “Hyperscale Data Centre” in Thurrock is set to join the ranks of large-scale computers and AI infrastructures, pending planning approval.
This proposal was submitted by a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Concerns about carbon emissions arose before a coordinated initiative by Donald Trump’s White House and Downing Street aimed at enhancing the UK’s AI capabilities. A multibillion-dollar investment deal with major tech firms from Silicon Valley is anticipated to be unveiled during the US president’s state visit, starting on Tuesday.
According to Keir Starmer’s Government, there is a forecast that AI will require 13 times the current processing power by 2035, leading to a rush in data centre construction to fulfill demand. The expectation is that this technological advancement will enhance the UK’s economic productivity. A collaboration is anticipated involving Nvidia, the largest AI chip manufacturer, and OpenAI, the creators of the ChatGPT AI assistant.
However, advocates argue that the influx of new large computer facilities will raise UK greenhouse gas emissions and strain limited electricity and water resources.
If approved, the Thurrock facility will encompass up to four data centers on “Grey Belt” land, some of which has been used for speedway events and stock car racing. This will contribute to a net increase of 568,727 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent) annually at operational status. For further details, refer to the planning document reviewed by the Guardian.
According to the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization, this is roughly equivalent to 500 flights from Heathrow to Malaga each week, as calculated by the carbon calculator. Google’s planning application contends that this will not significantly impact the UK carbon budget, a view challenged by campaigners.
A spokesperson from FoxGlove, a group advocating for fair technology, stated, “The facility planned by Google in Essex will generate emissions significantly higher than those produced by an international airport.” This reflects a broader trend of imposing ‘hyperscale’ data centers across the UK, prioritizing profit over environmental health.
“The Starmer government must resist the influence of big tech and advocate for the UK populace,” they continued. “Otherwise, we will all bear the consequences of expensive energy bills, dwindling water supplies, and the effects of a warming planet.”
Currently, data centers account for approximately 2.5% of the UK’s electricity consumption, with demand predicted to quadruple by 2030, as noted by the Commons Library.
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The UK government asserts that data centers will not significantly affect the UK carbon budget due to an ambitious objective to decarbonize the electricity grid. However, there are concerns that without significant investment in new data centers, the UK risks falling behind international competitors like France, jeopardizing its ambitions in national security, economic growth, and AI.
Other noteworthy data center initiatives include a £10 billion project at a former coal-fired power plant in Blythe, Northumberland, which received planning approval in March. This facility is positioned at the core of a major contract involving Nvidia and OpenAI. Over the weekend, there were also reports that Google was in discussions regarding a large data center in Teesside.
Global consultancy Bain & Company reported on Monday that AI and data centers could contribute to 2% of global emissions and 17% of industrial emissions by 2035, with the most significant impact occurring in nations where fossil fuels dominate energy generation.
Google declined to comment on the planning application for the Thurrock site, while Teesside stated that they “do not comment on rumors or speculation.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
