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Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

AI Growth Zones: Infrastructure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of energy and water infrastructure to support the development of artificial intelligence data centres in AI Growth Zones.

Answer

The expansion of AI infrastructure is critical to the UK's long-term economic growth, resilience, and global competitiveness. We are working closely with industry, the National Energy System Operator, DESNZ, Ofgem, DEFRA, and the Environment Agency to improve our understanding of the impacts of future demand.

AI Growth Zone applicants are required to detail their water plans and provide confirmation of feasibility from the relevant water supplier. Data Centre Developers progressing through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime must assess impacts on water resources as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and supporting documentation, and national planning policy embeds consideration of sustainable water use and resource efficiency in decision making.

Through the AI Energy Council, co-chaired by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, we are also exploring how to meet the future energy demands of AI and data centres in a way that is resilient, sustainable, and scalable.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1237
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Energy Water Artificial intelligence AI growth zones
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk