Datacentres now consume 6% of UK electricity, report reveals amid AI boom
theguardian.com · 13 May 2026
Summary
Datacentres in the UK and US now account for 6% of electricity consumption, driven by a 15% global increase in energy usage over two years due to AI. This surge in demand is causing energy shortages and extended waits for grid connections in the UK, leading to growing community and political concerns.
Why it matters
For UK AI infrastructure and energy system stakeholders, this report highlights the immediate and growing strain datacentres, particularly those supporting AI, are placing on the national grid. It underscores critical issues such as energy security, grid connection delays, and the potential for public resistance, all of which will directly influence policy, investment, and operational planning in the sector.
Electricity demand
Datacentres currently consume 5.9% of electricity in the UK, a figure that the UK government had previously estimated would increase fourfold by 2030 from an early 2025 baseline of 2.5%. This rising demand is contributing to energy shortages and prolonged grid connection queues, which saw a 460% increase in the first half of 2025.
Energy security
The escalating electricity consumption by datacentres, particularly those serving AI, contributes to energy shortages in the UK and puts increased pressure on the national grid. This situation raises concerns about the stability and resilience of the UK's energy supply, especially given the long wait times for new grid connections.
Business impact
Datacentre developers in the UK are facing waits of several years for national grid connections due to increasing power usage, which could impact project timelines and operational readiness. The rising energy consumption and associated 'community frustration' may also necessitate greater transparency from tech companies regarding their datacentre plans.
Consumer impact
Greenpeace UK warns that an 'unchecked AI boom' could lead to higher energy bills for consumers. The growing demand for electricity from datacentres also places additional stress on water supplies, which could have broader environmental and social impacts.
Long-term implications
The long-term implications include increased strain on the UK's energy infrastructure, potential for continued energy shortages, and a possible societal backlash against further datacentre development if energy and environmental concerns are not addressed. There's also a heightened need for improved transparency from tech companies and more robust environmental impact assessments to mitigate these issues and avoid a 'new lifeline for fossil fuels'.