UK, DataVita Misstated 3,400 Jobs and 1GW Power Plan for Scottish AI Zone
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
UK, DataVita Misstated 3,400 Jobs and 1GW Power Plan for Scottish AI Zone
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Summary
A Guardian investigation found the UK government and DataVita overstated key parts of the Lanarkshire AI growth zone, including how it would be powered and how many jobs it would create.
DataVita had publicly said the site would use large amounts of on-site renewable energy, but later acknowledged it would connect to Britain's strained grid; its 1GW target would conservatively require 44 sq km of nearby land, of which it appears to control less than a tenth.
The promised £543 million community fund is not currently funded and would depend on future DataVita revenues, while residents in Newarthill and Airdrie fear property losses and green-belt land being taken for energy parks.
A Scottish charity's FoI request found the 3,400-job figure was derived by scaling up estimates from another site in Northumberland; it argued the true direct employment could be about 100 times lower, with most roles temporary construction work.
The dispute highlights a wider UK rush to secure land and power for AI datacentres, as local communities confront opaque planning, speculative development and uncertain economic benefits.