Data centres as vital as NHS and power grid, government says

Published On Sep 11, 2024, 7:08 PM

The UK government has classified data centres as critical national infrastructure, which allows for increased government support during emergencies like cyber attacks or severe weather. This classification comes amidst growing concerns about their energy and water consumption, despite the government's backing as these centres are essential for modern services, especially with the rise of AI. Major tech firms, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, are investing heavily in data centres in the UK, although there are still environmental concerns and local opposition to new developments. Industry leaders express optimism about future investments due to this recognition by the government.