What people really think about data centres.

By Oscar Beale – Account Executive

Largescale computing power and data storage are reshaping the world. The AI revolution is here, and like past era-defining industrial shifts, it demands new infrastructure. That means a rapid expansion in the number of data centres.

The result? Policy is gathering pace at every level. The Government has categorised data centres as Critical National infrastructure and is rolling out AI Growth Zones. Local authorities, such as West Oxfordshire District Council, are consulting on a data centre policy. Strategic authorities like the Greater London Authority are expected to develop dedicated policies for new sites beyond existing industrial designations.

The UK is on the brink of a major step towards data sovereignty.

Against this backdrop, we’ve explored what people really think about data centres.
Our polling (conducted by YouGov) revealed broad support for data centres in people’s local areas (56% of respondents), with the creation of new local jobs cited as the primary reason (58%). However, as the number of direct jobs created by data centres is relatively low, is this support is built on shaky foundations?

Perhaps unexpectedly, our polling shows that Gen-Z respondents are the most opposed to data centres. Their concerns are rooted in environmental issues (43%), including fears that data centres consume unsustainable volumes of water (33%). There is also a growing awareness of the impact that high wattage data centres have on the electricity grid, and a perception that the investment needed to support grid expansion is ultimately passed on to billpayers (33%).

Whilst the momentum behind data centres is strong, those promoting them need to continue to tell a credible benefits story, one that will win over the internet generation. Promoters can’t rely on the shaky foundation of job generation and need clear, confident and evidence-based messaging about how a project will offset its environmental impact.

The communities hosting data centres need to understand how they will benefit from them. Getting the messaging right will maintain the positive momentum behind the sector. Not doing so risks creating a swell that gradually undermines it.

Our latest polling report lifts the lid on what people really think about new data centres, what builds support, and what fuels opposition. Download the full report here.