.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Article content
(Bloomberg) — British data centers are demonstrating surging interest in connecting to the natural gas network after developers have faced significant delays accessing the power grid.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Gas networks received around three times as many inquiries from data center developers last year as they did in 2024, totaling 113 over the two year-period, according to Future Energy Networks, the representative body for the British gas transmission industry. 46 applications are currently being processed, it said.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Hooking up to gas networks would allow data centers to generate their own electricity on-site and bypass long waits for power grid links. For some projects it takes up to 15 years to connect to the electricity network, with the government working on measures to clear the huge backlog.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
“If we are to get ahead in the global AI race, bolster economic growth and secure future investment, we must harness the immense potential of both gas and electricity systems,” said James Earl, chief executive officer at FEN.
Article content
At the same time, a broader shift to gas among data center developers would risk putting pressure on the UK’s net zero targets.
Article content
Seven applications have already been secured for connection to the gas network, equaling a combined capacity of 15.4 terawatt-hours, enough energy to heat 1.3 million homes, according to FEN’s statement. A proportion of the inquiries that have been submitted are at a “speculative” stage, it added, and there are sometimes multiple inquiries related to one connection request.
Article content
Advertisement 1
English (US)