Equinix invests £3.9bn into UK critical national infrastructure

DC01UK in Hertfordshire has been undergoing construction and, with Equinix completing an acquisition of the plot of land, is aims to support UK critical national infrastructure growth.

This marks a significant investment into the UK’s critical national infrastructure, as the country hopes to realise its sovereign AI growth ambitions. Equinix’s £3.9 billion investment is expected to deliver 2,500 local jobs in the construction phase and more than 200 permanent roles to offer valuable opportunities for local talent.

According to KPMG, direct and indirect employment could contribute roughly £120 million in wages.

Supporting UK digital growth ambitions

Once fully built out, it is expected that the 85-acre data centre campus will deliver world-class digital infrastructure and skills in the UK, while also supporting local, national and international businesses. This will come from sectors including healthcare, life sciences, public sector, financial services, manufacturing and entertainment.

Equinix said via its statement: “The new facility is a clear sign of commitment to the UK’s ambition to lead in sovereign AI.”

James Tyler, UK managing director of Equinix, explained: “The UK is a cornerstone of the global economy and is a natural home for our most substantial investment in Europe to date. This development brings a significant amount of data centre capacity to Britain, contributing to the government’s AI growth ambition.”

He added via LinkedIn: “This isn’t just about scale. We’re designing the campus to run on 100% renewable energy, using dry cooling systems that don’t rely on water, and retaining over half the site as open space to support biodiversity.

“It’s a long-term commitment to building responsibly for our customers, for the community, and for the environment.”

The news comes in the midst of the UK seeking to recognise itself as a global leader in digital transformation and, more specifically, AI. With the support of big tech, the government has pledged to support the planning and development of infrastructure to develop such systems.

It also classified data centres as critical national infrastructure – a move that arguably turbocharged interest into the UK data centre market.

Powering national innovation, locally

Through this purchase, Equinix is aiming to set a high standard for partnering with the community around the campus, which will include close collaboration with local residents and businesses to invest in education, employment and biodiversity programmes that will truly impact the region.

It will also aim to connect businesses to global, AI-ready infrastructure that is both secure and scalable.

“This £3.9 billion investment is a huge win for Britain,” said Liz Kendall, secretary for state for science, innovation and technology. “This is about making sure the UK is at the forefront of the digital revolution and ensuring that every community benefits from the opportunities this new technology brings.”

Tyler added: “This investment goes far beyond building the infrastructure needed to unlock the UK’s digital potential. It’s the evolution of an ongoing partnership with the local and national community.”

Equinix already has a well-established footprint in the UK, with 14 data centres across the country that largely have a customer base of UK-based businesses. The company supports more than 1,300 customers, alongside its 270 data centres across 36 countries.

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Image courtesy of Equinix