DataVita has revised its plans for a major AI datacentre development in Lanarkshire to rely entirely on the National Grid for power, according to the published report The developer, which is building a facility near Glasgow, admitted that the scheme will not draw dedicated renewable energy as initially promised.reported This shift marks a significant change in how the project intends to source its electricity.DataVita is building a large computer facility in Scotland that will now get all its electricity from the main power network.DataVita’s Lanarkshire AI hub will operate as a grid-tied facility, abandoning its initial 1GW dedicated renewable energy pledge.
Evidence: reported
Lanarkshire AI datacentre to fully rely on National Grid despite renewables claimaifleet-guardian
What was released or claimed
DataVita stated that its Chapelhall development will be fully grid served, replacing earlier claims of 1GW in renewable energy.reported The company noted that solar and wind farms could potentially connect in the future. The Guardian reported that DataVita previously promised green power equivalent to a small nuclear reactor or Britain’s largest windfarm.reported The developer said the original arrangement was subject to final commercial agreements and consenting processes.
Evidence: reported
Lanarkshire AI datacentre to fully rely on National Grid despite renewables claimaifleet-guardian
Evidence: reported
Lanarkshire AI datacentre to fully rely on National Grid despite renewables claimaifleet-guardian
Who it affects
DataVita remains a key component of the UK’s AI strategy, which aims to build massive datacentres across designated zones. The company is currently receiving £202m in public money through wealth guarantees from Britain’s national wealth fund.reported The project is located in the village of Chapelhall, outside Airdrie, and aims to transform the local economy.
Evidence: reported
Lanarkshire AI datacentre to fully rely on National Grid despite renewables claimaifleet-guardian
What is still unknown
It remains unclear when or if solar and wind farms will actually connect to the DataVita site. The Guardian raised questions about the original pledge, leading to the admission that the arrangement was conditional. The company did not specify why the renewable energy plan was abandoned, only that it was subject to various processes. The final commercial agreements for any future renewable connections have not been detailed.
What to make of it
The Guardian suggested the shift may have been inevitable given the implausibility of the claimed renewables provision. AI datacentres are among the most energy-intensive structures built, and energy costs in Britain are higher than in most of Europe. There is a years-long wait for UK developments to connect to the grid. Two key UK AI investments are on shaky ground due to questions over their ability to power themselves or pay high energy costs.
What buyers should weigh
Buyers should consider that DataVita’s power source is now entirely dependent on the National Grid rather than dedicated renewables. The project retains significant public funding, suggesting government support continues despite the change in energy strategy. High energy costs and long grid connection waits in the UK pose risks to similar AI developments. The reliability of the grid supply versus dedicated renewable sources is a key factor for operations.
Why it matters
- DataVita’s reliance on the National Grid highlights the difficulty of securing dedicated renewable power for large AI hubs in the UK.
- The retention of £202m in public guarantees indicates continued government support for the project despite the change in energy plans.
- High energy costs and long grid connection waits in Britain pose significant challenges for AI datacentre developers.
- The shift from dedicated renewables to grid power may affect the environmental claims and sustainability metrics of the Lanarkshire development.
Topics: AI infrastructure, energy policy, datacentres, UK tech
Updated
Then / now / next
DataVita promised to power its Lanarkshire AI development with 1GW of dedicated renewable energy.
The company has revised the plan to be fully served by the National Grid.
Solar and wind farms could potentially connect to the site in the future.
Story timeline
- Then DataVita promised to power its Lanarkshire AI development with 1GW of dedicated renewable energy.
- 07 Nov 2026 Lanarkshire AI datacentre to fully rely on National Grid despite renewables claim
- Now The company has revised the plan to be fully served by the National Grid.
- Next Solar and wind farms could potentially connect to the site in the future.
The strongest doubt
Counterpoint from the sources
The Guardian noted that the shift to grid power may have been inevitable given the implausibility of the original renewable energy claims.
For readers
Policy
- DataVita remains a key plank of the UK’s AI strategy despite the change in energy sourcing.
- The project continues to receive £202m in public wealth guarantees from the national wealth fund.
Investors
- High energy costs in Britain compared to Europe pose financial risks for AI datacentre operations.
- Years-long waits for grid connections could delay project timelines and increase costs.
Business
- DataVita’s Chapelhall development is now fully grid served, removing dedicated renewable guarantees.
- The company claims the grid power will be largely renewable, but future wind and solar connections are not confirmed.
Ask the article
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Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Questions readers ask
Will DataVita still use renewable energy for its Lanarkshire datacentre?
DataVita says the power drawn from the grid will be largely renewable, but the site is now fully grid served.
How much public money is DataVita receiving for this project?
The company is in receipt of £202m in public money from Britain’s national wealth fund.
Why did DataVita change its energy plan?
The company said the original renewable arrangement was subject to final commercial agreements and consenting processes.
Connected stories
Reading receipt
- DataVita revised its Chapelhall development plan to be fully served by the National Grid.
- The project had previously promised 1GW of renewable energy, equivalent to a small nuclear reactor.
- The company retains £202m in public wealth guarantees while scaling back its green energy pledge.