A proposed Google datacentre in Essex would generate more than half a million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, sparking environmental concerns as the UK accelerates AI infrastructure development.
Reports The Guardian, planning documents reveal the Thurrock facility would produce 568,727 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year during operations. The emissions equal approximately 500 weekly flights between Heathrow and Málaga, according to UN aviation calculations.
The 52-hectare site represents part of Britain’s broader push to expand computing capacity ahead of expected multibillion-dollar investment announcements during Donald Trump’s UK state visit. Alphabet subsidiary filings show the facility would occupy former speedway and stock car track land.
Environmental campaigners have criticised the scale of emissions from the proposed complex. A Foxglove spokesperson said the facility would produce emissions several times higher than an international airport, describing it as one of many hyperscale datacentres imposed by US technology companies regardless of environmental costs.
The government forecasts a 13-fold increase in AI processing power requirements by 2035, driving demand for new datacentres. Officials argue the infrastructure is essential to prevent Britain falling behind international competitors and address potential national security risks from insufficient computing capacity.
Datacentres currently consume 2.5% of UK electricity, with demand projected to quadruple by 2030. Additional major projects include a £10bn Northumberland facility and potential Teesside development, both linked to anticipated deals involving Nvidia and OpenAI.
Google’s planning application describes the emissions impact as having minor adverse significance when compared to UK carbon budgets, though environmental groups dispute this assessment.
