UK Datacentre Development Shifts Northward with 8GW Pipeline Led by M62 Corridor

Barbour ABI data indicates that the UK's datacentre construction focus is moving north due to market saturation in the southeast. Of the 119 datacentre projects totaling 8GW, only one major project is in London, while the M62 corridor leads with 44 projects. Significant capacities are expected in regions leveraging offshore wind and nuclear energy, with the majority of completions projected for 2030.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The focus of datacentre construction in the UK is shifting northward, driven by market saturation and power grid issues in the southeast. According to Barbour ABI, there are currently 119 datacentre projects in the planning or construction phase, totaling an estimated 8GW.

AI-curated by Theia

The M62 corridor is the most active area with 44 projects and 3.3GW capacity, while London has only one major project at East Havering at over 600MW. Most northern projects are positioned to utilize renewable energy sources. The completion of 17 projects is expected in 2030, contributing over 2GW of capacity.