Oral evidenceSelect & Joint CommitteesWednesday, 1 July 202614:00

Environmental Audit Committee: Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK

Committee hears from witnesses

The Environmental Audit Committee will take oral evidence on the sustainability risks and opportunities posed by data centres in the UK. Data centres—facilities housing computer servers and IT infrastructure—consume significant electricity and water, raising climate and resource concerns. The inquiry will examine how the sector can grow to meet digital demand while meeting net-zero targets, what regulatory gaps exist, and where investment opportunities lie in greener infrastructure.

Data centres are critical to the digital economy but account for a growing share of UK electricity demand and water use. This inquiry will shape policy on whether and how the sector can expand sustainably, affecting planning rules, energy grid investment, and the UK's ability to meet climate commitments without constraining digital infrastructure growth.

Environment Energy & Net Zero Technology & Digital

Committee mentioned:Environmental Audit Committee