UK data centre boom pushes operators toward gas power amid grid delays

London: More than 100 planned UK data centres are now considering or preparing to use natural gas to generate their own electricity as long delays in connecting to the national grid force developers to seek alternative power sources.

Energy regulators have confirmed that data centre projects totalling around 100GW are currently waiting in the UK grid connection queue, far exceeding available capacity and making it unlikely all will be connected.

Ofgem officials said the backlog is pushing developers to explore on-site gas generation, with some proposals involving permanent use rather than temporary backup systems.

The UK’s National Energy System Operator warned that the shift could undermine the government’s Clean Power 2030 target, which assumes only a small share of electricity will come from unabated gas generation.

Energy experts say the trend reflects growing demand from AI and cloud computing infrastructure, which requires large and reliable power supplies that the current grid cannot rapidly deliver.

Regulators are now considering reforms to prioritise “strategic” projects, including AI-related infrastructure, as pressure mounts to balance digital growth with emissions targets and energy system constraints.