AI data centres could undermine UK's emissions goals

The UK government's new policy allowing AI data centres to generate onsite power, including gas-fired electricity, risks increasing carbon emissions and undermining the 2050 net zero goal. Four planned hyperscale data centres may emit more CO2 than several major UK cities combined, raising environmental concerns. Lawmakers and environmental groups warn that reliance on natural gas for these centres is unsustainable and conflicts with climate commitments.