Research pillar
Policy and Economics
The government decisions, regulation and money shaping how AI infrastructure is built in Britain — and who carries the cost.
What this pillar covers
We have not yet published original analysis under this pillar. Rather than fill the page with placeholders, here is exactly what it will cover — and the verified material already on the site that relates to it.
- Government bodies and strategies, and what they have actually published
- Ofgem regulation, charging methodologies and cost allocation
- AI Growth Zone designations and their regional consequences
- Investment announcements, distinguished from investment delivered
From the UK AI Energy Index
Every indicator carries its source, the period it covers and a confidence level. Where the evidence is insufficient, the Index says so rather than estimating.
Data-centre evidence
The project register is compiled from planning records and company announcements. It is not a complete national census and does not claim to be.
Tools for this subject
All outputs are modelled estimates based on the inputs you provide, not measured values.
Related reports
No published report covers this pillar yet. The research library lists what is published and what is still in development.
Recent news in this pillar
All news →
Data centres drive Ireland to reopen nuclear power debate
ft.com
Digital cities: the future of Britain’s data centres
thetimes.com
Two planned datacentres will have higher UK carbon emissions than ExxonMobil, analysis finds | Datacentres - UK | The Guardian
theguardian.com
Data centres and the UK National Accounts - Office for National Statistics
ons.gov.uk
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - GOV.UK
gov.uk
Where are authorities restricting data centres amid AI boom? | Reuters
reuters.com
How we research this
We work from primary UK sources — DESNZ, NESO, Ofgem, planning authorities and published company documents. Where a figure is modelled by us it is labelled an AI Energy Intelligence modelled estimate, with its assumptions shown. Where the evidence does not exist, we say so.