Green Party Demands UK Moratorium on New Data Centres Amid Energy, Water Use Concerns

Zack Polanski, the Green Party's Deputy Leader, has publicly advocated for a moratorium on the construction of new data centres across the UK. Polanski cited mounting apprehension regarding the substantial energy and water demands of these facilities, particularly their expanding role in powering Artificial Intelligence.

The call for a temporary ban underscores a growing debate about the sustainability of digital infrastructure. Data centres are known for their intensive resource consumption, requiring vast amounts of electricity for operation and cooling, alongside considerable volumes of water for their cooling systems. AI applications, with their complex computational requirements, are anticipated to further exacerbate these environmental pressures.

The Green Party's position advocates for the implementation of more stringent regulations to mitigate the environmental footprint of this sector. This includes calls for improved energy efficiency standards, responsible water management practices, and a broader reassessment of how digital growth aligns with national climate commitments. The party's intervention seeks to prompt a re-evaluation of the current expansion trajectory of data infrastructure within the UK's broader environmental policy landscape.