Essex Data Center
Sector: Government • Location: Loughton, Essex, United Kingdom
Source: Construction Review
The Essex Data Center is a £2 billion hyperscale AI data center project located in Loughton, Essex, UK. It aims to become Britain's largest AI supercomputer facility, providing computing infrastructure for AI applications, cloud services, and high-performance computing. The project has planning approval and strong government backing but is currently delayed due to the UK's overloaded electricity g
- Status
- Prospective
- Sector
- Government, Data Center, Power Generation (CCGT)
- Location
- Loughton, Essex, United Kingdom
- Updated
- 22 Jul 2026
- Source
- Construction Review
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Project Information
Participants
| Not available for this record. |
Status
Original status | planning approved; awaiting permanent grid connection |
Taiyo status | Prospective |
Taiyo last update | 2026-07-22 |
Contact
| Not available for this record. |
Description
Description | The Essex Data Center is a £2 billion hyperscale AI data center project located in Loughton, Essex, UK. It aims to become Britain's largest AI supercomputer facility, providing computing infrastructure for AI applications, cloud services, and high-performance computing. The project has planning approval and strong government backing but is currently delayed due to the UK's overloaded electricity grid, which has postponed the permanent 90-megawatt grid connection. Developers are exploring alternative power solutions, including Bloom Energy's solid oxide fuel cells, to maintain construction momentum and avoid costly commissioning delays. Microsoft is the anchor customer, and the project is strategically important for the UK's AI ambitions. |
Original sector | Technology |
Budget |
Location
Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
State | Essex |
City | Loughton |
Source
Source | Construction Review |
URL |
More Details
Record type | Project |
Sector | Government, Data Center, Power Generation (CCGT) |
Article published date | 2026-07-16 |
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