Britain's rapid expansion of data centers is drawing increased scrutiny from local communities concerned about the environmental and infrastructural consequences. In Slough, Berkshire, known as Britain's data centre capital, residents have reported sweltering temperatures during heatwaves, which they attribute in part to the heat generated by approximately 40 data centers operating within the town. Emerging research suggests these facilities can create a heat island effect, raising local temperatures by an average of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and potentially as much as 9 degrees Celsius (16.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
The data centers, which store and process digital information for major tech clients like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, require significant electricity to power thousands of servers and extensive cooling systems. This intensive energy demand puts pressure on local infrastructure. Organizations such as Global Action Plan and Foxglove are advocating for a moratorium on new data center construction in Slough, citing concerns about the strain on the energy grid and the unknown costs of necessary upgrades.
Residents have also noted a persistent low humming noise emanating from the facilities, which some find disruptive, particularly at night. One resident described the heat during a recent hot spell as "unbearable."
Further from Slough, similar concerns are emerging. In Iver, six miles away, plans for half a dozen data centers have prompted local residents to call for a pause in construction. Leigh Tugwood, co-chair of the Iver Heath Residents' Association, expressed the challenge of educating the public about data centers and stated a belief that a moratorium is necessary. He pointed to reports of health issues related to noise, air, and light pollution from data centers in the United States and questioned the promised job creation, particularly in light of advancements in AI.
In Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, residents are opposing plans by US tech firm Equinix to build an 85-acre data center campus. The proposed site, which includes a cherished local oak tree and green space, is near a school. Equinix plans to invest £3.9 billion in the Hertfordshire Campus, which will require 250 megawatts of power, enough to supply 200,000 homes. The National Grid is set to provide a dedicated connection for the campus, expected to be operational in 2031.
Parents of children attending the nearby Dame Alice Owen's School have expressed concerns about safety, noise, construction, and air quality from the facility's 240 diesel generators, which could operate during school hours. Local campaigners worry about the loss of green space, referred to as "the lungs of London," and its impact on property values and the area's appeal.
Equinix states the Hertfordshire Campus would create 2,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent skilled roles, generating an estimated £18 million annually in business rates. However, residents question the long-term benefits and the impact on their quality of life, fearing the permanent alteration of their local environment.