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Environment & Climate

Expansion of data centres in Wales prompts local concerns over energy, water, and noise

Residents and environmental groups call for clearer regulations or pauses on new developments, while tech advocates and officials cite economic and AI infrastructure benefits.

Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 06:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • UK data centre expansion, driven by artificial intelligence demand, has sparked local opposition in Welsh communities such as Newport and Cardiff over noise, visual impact, and resource usage.
  • Energy regulator Ofgem reported that grid connection requests for UK data centres increased from 41GW to 125GW over the past year, while industry estimates show current water usage at 6.6 million litres daily.
  • Environmental group Friends of the Earth called for a nationwide pause on new data centre builds until binding rules on energy and water limits are established.
  • Developers and government officials maintain that existing planning procedures, environmental controls, and modern cooling technologies mitigate local and environmental impacts.

Key facts

  • The United Kingdom currently has 568 data centres, with nine additional sites proposed in Wales.[BBC News]
  • Requested electricity capacity for UK data centre grid connections rose from 41GW to 125GW over the past year, according to Ofgem.[BBC News]
  • Trade association Water UK estimates that UK data centres consume roughly 6.6 million litres of water each day.[BBC News]
  • The UK government classifies data centres as critical national infrastructure.[BBC News]
  • Cardiff developer Curtis Hall Ltd stated its proposed campus in Llanrumney will not strain local water infrastructure or the energy grid, citing consultations with Welsh Water and noise assessments.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether local councils and Welsh planning authorities will approve proposed sites, such as the Llanrumney development on a current hospital park-and-ride lot, remains undetermined.[BBC News]
  • The extent to which national grid capacity and water supplies will be impacted by pending grid connection requests remains uncertain as projects undergo review.[BBC News]

Sources