Drax has announced plans to develop a 100MW data centre at its power station near Selby, Yorkshire. This initiative is positioned as part of the company’s strategy to meet the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and to bolster investments in flexible and renewable energy sources.
The energy firm stated that while the data centre could be operational by 2027, specific details are still under consideration, and no planning application has yet been submitted. A spokesperson for Drax expressed that the development would facilitate the company’s contribution to AI growth and is part of a broader plan to invest up to £2 billion in flexible and renewable energy projects. However, further specifics are still to be determined.
Data centres, known for their high energy consumption, are increasingly seeking locations with reliable grid connections and substantial electricity availability. For Drax, this presents an opportunity, although the project remains in its initial stages. The timeline for completion will depend on the planning process, technical design considerations, and the financial viability of constructing and operating the facility.
The proximity to a reliable power source is particularly appealing to data centre operators. This plan aligns with the UK Government’s AI Growth Zones initiative, which aims to expedite AI infrastructure development by providing planning support and faster access to power connections. Examples include regions like North Wales and the Culham Campus in Oxfordshire.
However, the Drax plant at Selby has faced some controversy. A BBC Panorama report in 2022 alleged that some biomass used for power generation was sourced from ecologically significant forests in Canada. Drax denied the accusations, but the BBC reiterated its claims in 2024, asserting that the plant continued to use wood from rare forests.
This new proposal comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Drax’s biomass sourcing and evolving subsidy frameworks. This scrutiny is heightened by the UK Government’s recent agreement with Drax, which includes a cap on purchases under the Contracts for Difference scheme and imposes stricter sustainability criteria. These regulations demand that 100% of woody biomass meet enhanced sustainability standards, with improved monitoring, verification, and auditing processes.
