Inquiry · Opened 27 February 2026
Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK
From: Environmental Audit Committee
What this inquiry is asking
This inquiry examines whether the UK's rapid expansion of data centres can be sustained without undermining its net-zero climate commitments. It investigates the energy demands of data centres, their impact on the Seventh Carbon Budget (2023–2027), and what regulatory or infrastructure changes are needed to make them compatible with decarbonisation targets.
Status / emerging findings
- Inquiry opened 27 February 2026 following committee concern about data centre energy consumption and carbon budget alignment
- Energy Secretary has already written to the committee (20 February 2026), suggesting early government engagement on the issue
- No evidence sessions yet held; inquiry in opening phase
- Core tension: data centres are essential digital infrastructure but electricity-intensive; UK grid must decarbonise simultaneously
Why it matters
Data centres underpin AI, cloud services, and the digital economy—but they consume vast electricity; if their growth outpaces grid decarbonisation, the UK will miss its legally binding carbon targets.
Themes
Key witnesses
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, UK data centre industry representatives (yet to appear), National Grid (electricity system operator), UK Infrastructure Bank, Environment Agency
Written evidence & correspondence
Themes & actors
Topics across publication summaries
Top organisations & named entities
- Ed Miliband·1 reference
- Toby Perkins·1 reference
- Department for Energy Security & Net Zero·1 reference
- Environmental Audit Committee·1 reference
- Climate Change Committee·1 reference
- National Energy System Operator·1 reference
Source · parliament.uk inquiry record ↗