Green Party Demands Moratorium on New UK Data Centres Amid Resource Strain

The Green Party has urged the government to implement an immediate, temporary ban on the construction of new data centres in the UK. This demand comes as concerns mount over the considerable resource demands of these facilities, with particular scrutiny on their role in powering the expanding artificial intelligence sector.

Deputy Leader Zack Polanski stated that the government's approach to regulating data centres is 'not fit for purpose'. He pointed to the significant electricity load and water usage associated with their operation, contending that the current planning system fails to adequately address these environmental pressures.

Data centres, essential infrastructure for the digital economy, require vast amounts of electricity for their servers and extensive cooling systems, which frequently rely on water. The proliferation of AI technologies is expected to exacerbate these demands, placing further strain on national grids and water supplies. The Green Party's proposal seeks to prompt a re-evaluation of national policy regarding the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure, advocating for more stringent oversight before further expansion is permitted.