New Essex Google Datacentre to Emit 570 Kilotonne of CO2 Yearly

Google plans a 52-hectare “hyperscale” data center in Thurrock, Essex, projected to emit 568,727 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, equivalent to approximately 500 short-haul flights per week, if approved. The centre, on partly brownfield land, forms part of the UK’s drive to expand AI capacity amid White House and Downing Street efforts to secure billions in Silicon Valley investment during President Trump’s state visit. The government argues that booming AI demand justifies the build-out and that grid decarbonisation will offset emissions, warning a “compute gap” could harm security and growth. Campaigners counter that the project strains energy and water resources, risks higher bills, and breaches climate targets. Similar mega-centre proposals in Northumberland and Teesside highlight the industry’s rapid expansion and its carbon challenge.

The Guardian, Robert Booth – Google’s huge new Essex datacentre to emit 570,000 tonnes of CO2 a year – 15th September 2025