Frequently Asked Questions

The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone is a UK Government AI Growth Zone in North Lanarkshire. It brings together three integrated components: 500MW of data centre capacity, 1GW+ of private wire renewable energy generation, and an AI Innovation Park for skills development and research. The project represents over £8.2bn of investment and will deliver £543m+ in community benefits over 15 years.

The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone is being developed by DataVita, a UK-based data centre and digital infrastructure business with an established presence in North Lanarkshire. As a local operator already delivering critical infrastructure in the area, DataVita is building on existing capability, relationships and expertise to support the long-term development of AI infrastructure at scale.

North Lanarkshire offers a unique combination of advantages: access to abundant renewable energy from Scottish wind and solar resources, naturally cool climate that reduces cooling costs, excellent connectivity to major fibre routes, a skilled workforce with industrial heritage, and strategic location between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The region powered the Industrial Revolution and is now positioned to power the AI Revolution.

Power is likely to come from a mixture of grid connectivity and direct private wire renewables, including wind, solar and battery storage. The goal for the site is to be significantly grid positive, generating more clean energy than it consumes over time. The detailed energy scheme is still in design and will be fully published as part of our pre-planning consultation obligations.

Yes, and that is how major infrastructure is delivered. The designation was awarded on the strength of a credible route to power by 2030, and we are now in detailed design. Our current direction is a mixture of grid connectivity and direct private wire renewables, and the goal for the site is still to be significantly grid positive. The detailed energy scheme is still in design and will be fully published as part of our pre-planning consultation obligations.

No. The development is being designed with its own dedicated renewable generation working alongside grid connectivity, with the goal of contributing more clean energy to the network than the site consumes.

Near zero. Unlike many data centres that use evaporative cooling (which consumes millions of litres of water), our facilities use a closed-loop cooling system. Water circulates continuously through pipes, absorbing heat from the servers and releasing it to the air via dry coolers. No water is consumed or evaporated in this process. Scotland's naturally cool climate (averaging 8-12°C) makes this approach highly efficient.

No. The closed-loop cooling system means the data centres have no ongoing water consumption for cooling. The same water recirculates continuously within the sealed system. This is fundamentally different from water-intensive evaporative cooling systems used elsewhere. Local water supplies for homes and businesses will not be affected.

Our data centres are designed to target sub-5 gCO₂e per kWh, representing a 97% reduction compared to London's grid (179 gCO₂e/kWh) and over 99% lower than South Wales (317 gCO₂e/kWh). This is achieved through our dedicated renewable energy supply and zero fossil fuel policy. Even compared to the already-clean Scottish grid (47 gCO₂e/kWh), our private wire system delivers significantly lower carbon intensity.

Construction will follow strict environmental management plans with limited operating hours and traffic management measures. Once operational, data centres are quiet facilities with no continuous heavy vehicle movements. The sites are located in areas designated for industrial use, minimising impact on residential communities. Community liaison will be maintained throughout the project.

The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone project will create approximately 3,400 jobs in total, across construction, operations, and the wider supply chain. These include high-value technical roles in data centre operations, energy systems management, engineering, and AI-related fields. Local salaries are projected to exceed £900m over the first five years of operation.

Yes. The AI Innovation Park includes a comprehensive skills pipeline designed to prepare local people for these opportunities. This includes STEM education programmes in schools, apprenticeships, college partnerships, and retraining programmes for career changers. The goal is to ensure North Lanarkshire residents have first access to these high-value careers.

Infrastructure improvements will be part of the development, including road upgrades where necessary. The data centres themselves generate minimal ongoing traffic once operational. The project will contribute to local infrastructure through business rates and developer contributions. Transport assessments are conducted as part of the planning process to identify and address any impacts.

We have already held four public consultation events for our first site, double the statutory minimum, attended by 143 people who raised 35 comments and issues. Further consultation will take place as each phase of the development comes forward. Details of upcoming events will be shared through local channels and on this website. You can also contact us directly at any time to share your feedback or ask questions.

All areas of the development are subject to local and national planning policies, which includes public consultation as well as environmental assessments. Planning applications will be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council and other relevant authorities as appropriate. These applications will be made available for public comment during statutory consultation periods. We are committed to working with local communities and planning authorities throughout the process. AI Growth Zone designation does not grant planning permission; every part of the development requires consent through the normal planning process.

The Community Investment Fund will deliver up to £543m over 15 years at full operation. It is calculated based on £50,000 per MW of data centre capacity and £15,000 per MW of renewable energy capacity, paid annually. At full operation, this equates to over £36m per year for community benefit. Additionally, DataVita commits to £1m per year in direct charitable giving.

The fund will be managed by a local partnership board, ensuring decisions are made by people who understand local needs rather than corporate interests. The governance structure is designed to be independent, transparent, and locally accountable. The fund will support areas including education, skills development, community facilities, environmental initiatives, and local business support.

Benefits begin during construction with job creation and economic activity. The Community Investment Fund contributions commence when facilities become operational. Skills programmes through the AI Innovation Park will begin as the project develops. The partnership board will be established early to ensure community input shapes how benefits are delivered from the start.