Data centre builders could face new demands for priority grid access

The UK government is considering forcing data centre developers to invest in local communities and meet sustainability targets in exchange for priority access to the grid, as ministers miss their own deadline for introducing new planning rules. Under proposals being examined ahead of Wednesday s Budget, developers could be required to make financial contributions to local areas or meet energy-use standards in return for faster planning approvals or grid connections. The proposed data centre covenant , first reported by the Financial Times, comes as ministers attempt to triple Britain s computing capacity to six gigawatts by 2030, despite growing pressure on the electricity network. The government has already brought data centres into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, allowing major developments to be considered through a national planning process. But ministers have missed their own deadline to consult on the National Policy Statement intended to g