UK Data Centre Covenant: faster grid and planning for strategic sites that meet five tests
What changed
The government estimates the UK needs 6 GW of AI data centre capacity by 2030. Strategic data centres that agree local benefit plans, design for a PUE of 1.3 or better, report energy and water use annually and meet job and security tests can get reserved or reallocated grid connections and faster planning through a new Ministerial Control Centre. The definition of 'strategic' will be set out later.
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