UK government does not know what datacentres are being used for, FoI request shows
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Warm-up
- Where is the biggest cluster of datacentres you’ve heard about?
- Should tech projects get faster approval if they promise jobs? Why?
- What environmental risks do you associate with AI growth?
Vocabulary
- transparency
- the clear sharing of information so people can see how decisions are made
- scrutiny
- careful and critical checking by officials, media, or the public
- designate
- to officially give a special status or role to something
- infrastructure
- the basic systems a country relies on, like power, water, and networks
- emissions
- gases released into the air that can harm the climate
- moratorium
- an official, temporary stop on an activity
- prioritise
- to treat something as more important than other things
- bypass
- to avoid the usual process or authority and go another way
Reading
The UK government says it does not know who is using the country’s largest datacentres or for what, according to a freedom of information response. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology replied that it did “not hold the requested information”.
With 315 projects queueing to connect to the National Grid, campaigners warn about weak transparency and limited scrutiny. In January, ministers proposed letting qualifying datacentres opt into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project scheme, allowing developments to bypass local planning committees and seek government approval. Critics say this could prioritise projects regardless of use.
Environmental concerns are mounting. Datacentres were designated critical national infrastructure in 2024. Two planned sites were reported to have higher carbon emissions than ExxonMobil in the UK, and campaigners fear water‑hungry sites could be favoured over households in drought.
The Scottish government is considering a moratorium on new sites. Supporters argue datacentres provide essential services; opponents say approval should depend on transparent benefits and strict environmental limits.
Comprehension
- What information did the government say it does not hold?
- How many projects are waiting to connect to the National Grid?
- What planning route could let datacentres avoid local committees?
- When were datacentres designated critical national infrastructure?
- What action is being considered by the Scottish government?
Grammar focus
Ellipsis and substitution
Ellipsis omits repeated words to avoid repetition; substitution replaces them with a pro-form (do/so, so, etc.). Use substitution when you need a short pro‑form, and ellipsis when the context alone makes the meaning clear. (Examples constructed.)
- Campaigners opposed new sites; supporters **do so** for jobs.
- Some argue for datacentres, others, **households**.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- Developers asked for permits, and residents (did / did so).
- Some proposals limit water use, while others (do / do so).
- Campaigners warned about emissions, and groups (did / did so).
- Datacentres were designated critical, and others (were too / were so).
- Supporters argued for jobs; opponents, (agree / do so).
Discussion
- Should central government overrule local planning on datacentres?
- How much transparency is realistic for private infrastructure?
- What conditions should a new datacentre meet to win approval?
- Is pausing new sites wise while rules are written, or too risky?
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