Google’s planned Essex datacentre could emit 570,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually

Hyperscale site could house up to four datacentre buildings

Google is seeking approval to build a vast new datacentre in Essex that, according to planning documents, could release almost 570,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

The proposed “hyperscale” site in Thurrock would cover 52 hectares and could house up to four datacentre buildings. If approved, it would be one of several major projects designed to meet the UK’s growing demand for computing power, particularly as AI adoption accelerates.

The documents, seen by The Guardian, suggest the facility would generate around 568,727 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent during operations, roughly the same as 500 flights a week between Heathrow and Málaga, according to UN estimates.

Google’s application argues the impact on national carbon budgets would be “minor adverse and not significant”. However, campaigners have criticised the plans. Advocacy group Foxglove said the emissions would be “several times higher than those of an international airport” and warned the UK risked prioritising the interests of US technology companies over environmental concerns.

Large-scale investment

The project comes as the government pursues a rapid expansion of datacentre capacity. Ministers expect the computing power required by AI to grow 13-fold by 2035 and fear the UK could fall behind rivals such as France without large-scale investment.

Datacentres already account for about 2.5% of UK electricity use, with demand on the grid forecast to rise fourfold by 2030. While the government maintains that the country’s push towards a decarbonised grid will limit the carbon impact, critics argue that increased energy and water consumption from hyperscale sites will still add pressure to infrastructure.

The Thurrock scheme is one of several big-ticket projects in the pipeline. Earlier this year, planning approval was granted for a £10 billion facility at a former coal plant in Blyth, Northumberland, which is expected to play a key role in a UK-US deal involving Nvidia and OpenAI. Reports also suggest Google is exploring a separate site in Teesside, though the company has declined to comment on that or the Thurrock proposal.

Google opens a new datacentre in Hertfordshire

Today, Tuesday, Google announced the opening of a data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, as part of a two-year £5 billion investment in the UK.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Google’s £5 billion investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US, creating jobs and economic growth for years to come.”

“This government is reversing decades of underinvestment that has held us back for too long, by slashing burdensome red tape, delivering bold reforms of the planning system and investing in better tech to unlock better jobs and opportunities. Through our Plan for Change we are building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”