DC01UK: New Cloud and AI Data Centre to be Largest in Europe

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DC01UK will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre (Image: DC01UK)
Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre gets the green light and promises to support the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and sustainable growth

DC01UK, a new state-of-the-art data centre, was recently approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee in the UK.

The new facility has been green-lit just days after the UK government announced its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which outlines economic growth opportunities that AI can offer the country.

Data centres are a critical aspect of this strategy, with the new plan setting out long-term plans for AI infrastructure needs and how it can be more sustainable and secure.

“The site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy.”

DC01UK spokesperson

The new data centre facility was widely reported on in 2024, particularly when it featured exclusively in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s announcement that data centres would be classified as Critical National Infrastructure - a decision that brought data centres further into UK public consciousness. 

Meeting digital demand

When built, DC01UK will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre. It will boast up to two million square feet of space and is designed to fulfil existing cloud shortfalls, whilst also catering to the large increase in demand that is expected in the near future.

The plans include a power reservation of 400MVA from the National Grid, which is due to its proximity to national and international fibre optic routes and nearby Availability Zones in the area.

Image: DC01UK

It is expected that the construction value of this project will reach £3.75bn (US$4.66bn) and will have a year-round generation of £21.4m (US$26.58m) in business rates once the data centre is operational. 

“[DC01UK] will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements,” a spokesperson for DC01UK shared.

“Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new data centre revolution, as well as creating £3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.”

Prioritising local community 

As such a landscape-led scheme, the project is set in 85 acres of grounds, 54% of which will be retained as open green space. Likewise, it is expected there will be a 10% net biodiversity gain.

In order to support the region in which it will operate, the plan will include benefits such as the confirmed expansion of an existing local cycle hire programme, £2 million of upgrades for new and existing bus routes and improvements to cycle paths, footpaths and crossings.

The data centre is expected to create:
  • 500 skilled on-site jobs during the construction phase
  • 200 permanent skilled jobs once running
  • 13,740 indirect jobs, 10,900 of which will be in the South East of England

There is also expected to be a significant financial contribution to local employment skills and opportunities.

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, has commented: “This is a momentous development for our borough. Hertsmere has cleared the way to becoming the home of a data centre which will be integral to serving Britain with cutting-edge technology. It’ll be a piece of critical national infrastructure needed for many generations to come.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark (Image: Hertfordshire Growth Board)

“While outline planning permission has been granted, we will, of course, continue to listen to and engage with residents about these exciting plans as more details are firmed up. 

“As I’ve said before, I’m sure local people will see the massive value this development could bring to our area.”

Key fact:
  • DC01UK is estimated to generate approximately £1.1 billion (US$1.36bn) per annum GVA (Gross Value Added) indirectly per year

As AI continues to make its mark worldwide, the UK is eager to remain as competitive as possible in the digital transformation space.

This project is the first of its kind and hopes to position the UK to better service the increasing cloud demand Europe is facing, whilst also supporting growing AI needs.

“Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without,” shares UK Minister for Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant MP.


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