Members of Parliament (MPs) in North Lincolnshire are actively striving to turn the region into a growing artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse that could significantly transform the area’s economic terrain. This plan, if successful, holds the potential to create a notable cluster of AI data centres in Europe, attracting over £20 billion in private investment and establishing approximately 15,650 jobs by 2029.
Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, underscored the significance of this endeavour, suggesting that such long-term commitment is exactly what the region needs to promote subsequent phases of growth.
In line with the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which targets the accelerated development of AI data centres, this proposal has garnered support from an array of MPs, such as Melanie Onn, Martin Vickers, and Lee Pitcher. The plan for a Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone (NLAIGZ) is being championed primarily by the North Lincolnshire Council and property developer Greystoke.
The ambitious project has set its sights on providing 2.5GW of computing power, which is almost twice the current capacity available in the London cluster. It also foresees the creation of 14,000 construction roles and 1,650 operational positions.
The proposal does not lack obstacles, however. Anglian Water has voiced concerns about potential flood risks and water sourcing for the proposed AI centre at the A15 Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate. In response, Greystoke offered reassurances that the Elsham Tech Park would feature a design with high water efficiency, deploying ‘closed-loop cooling systems’ for its servers.
More land near South Killingholme’s A180 has been earmarked for another data centre, carrying a potential investment of £3 billion. The NLAIGZ initiative is also committed to supporting the local industry by prioritising Scunthorpe-manufactured steel, adhering to the UK Steel Charter.
Melanie Onn emphasised the significant influence of the project, suggesting that positioning major AI and data infrastructure alongside the region’s offshore wind and carbon capture sectors would inevitably result in new investments, high-value jobs, and new skills opportunities for people in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and the wider region.
According to a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, AI Growth Zones are anticipated to ‘transform local communities, delivering billions in investment and thousands of new jobs, offering working people a true share in our AI-powered future.’ The government , having received over 200 nationwide expressions of interest, is keen to collaborate with potential sites to identify the top opportunities for progress.
This article has been adapted from the original content first reported by the BBC.
