Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has outlined incentives designed to encourage facilities that support the economy and national infrastructure to secure access to the electricity grid.
The policy aims to prioritize data centres considered strategically important, including those supporting artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital services.
Developers may receive clearer pathways to grid connections if they can demonstrate strong economic value, energy efficiency and the ability to manage demand during periods of pressure.
The move comes as Britain faces a growing queue of projects seeking connections, while electricity demand is expected to rise sharply with the expansion of AI and data-intensive technologies.
Officials are also under pressure to balance digital growth with climate goals. Data centres consume substantial amounts of electricity, making their location, efficiency and use of renewable power central to the government’s planning.
The incentives form part of a broader effort to modernize Britain’s infrastructure and attract investment, while ensuring that new facilities do not crowd out housing, manufacturing or other essential developments.