Cross-party backing for North Lincs AI Growth Zone
The project would deliver one of Europe’s largest AI data centre clusters
Northern Lincolnshire MPs are backing a proposed AI Growth Zone for the area, which would deliver one of Europe’s largest AI data centre clusters.
North Lincolnshire Council and Greystoke, a specialist planning business focused on high-tech infrastructure, have developed the proposal.
After a meeting at Westminster, several local MPs have expressed their support.
The proposed Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone would deliver up to 2.5GW of compute, nearly doubling current UK capacity, and 500MW will be online by 2029.
It would anchor more than £20 billion of private investment, and it is also estimated that it would create 14,000 construction jobs and 1,650 well-paid operational roles.
There is already outline permission for the £2.2bn Humber Tech Park AI data centre, to be located near South Killingholme. Planning approval has also been sought for a £5.5bn AI data centre campus by Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.
This will eventually be decided by councillors as Elsham Parish Council has objected.
"build on that success"
The creation of AI Growth Zones is central to the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, set out earlier this year. They are expected to mean an easier planning process for AI infrastructure and accelerate the provision of clean power, boosting private capital investment and rejuvenating areas where they are sited.
The Government is now choosing the AI Growth Zones. At the Westminster meeting with northern Lincolnshire’s four MPs, North Lincolnshire Council and Greystoke confirmed plans to establish a Partnership Forum of regional industry leaders. This would support project delivery and maximise economic benefits across the Humber.
“The Humber leads the UK’s clean energy revolution, and the Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone seeks to build on that success,” said Melanie Onn MP (Labour – Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes). “This is the kind of long-term commitment our region needs to power the next phase of growth.”
"tangible benefits locally”
Martin Vickers MP (Conservative – Brigg and Immingham) said he strongly welcomed the proposal as a nationally significant project “that will also deliver tangible benefits locally”, such as creating skilled jobs. “By aligning advanced data infrastructure with the region’s clean-energy assets, it will further support industrial decarbonisation in North Lincolnshire and along the Humber. It’s a clear demonstration of the Humber’s ability to lead and I’ll continue to champion it in Westminster.”
The wider Humber region produces 20 per cent of the UK’s electricity, hosts 33 per cent of UK offshore wind capacity, and has an advanced programme for carbon capture and storage. By hosting AI compute capacity in northern Lincolnshire, it is contended this will reduce strain on the National Grid, cut transmission losses and anchor further clean power investment. The data centres will also use closed-loop systems to minimise local water demand.
Lee Pitcher MP (Labour – Doncaster East and Isle of Axholme) said the proposed northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone would create major opportunities for his constituency, “by supporting local businesses, strengthening supply chains, and opening up new, well-paid jobs”. He said it will crucially mean businesses across Doncaster “can access cutting-edge compute capacity on their doorstep”.
"practical example"
He added it was “a practical example” of how digital and energy investment can work together to create real opportunity for northern communities. Scunthorpe’s MP Sir Nic Dakin (Labour) welcomed hearing more about the AI Growth Zone proposal.
Sir Nic, a Government whip, added: “Scunthorpe has been a key location in Britain’s industrial achievements and it’s no surprise that industries of the future are also interested in our area. I look forward to seeing this proposal develop.”
North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham (Conservative – Brigg and Wolds Ward) said it is “a huge opportunity to build on our industrial heritage and secure North Lincolnshire’s place at the centre of the UK’s modern economy”. He said the proposals will be subject to the normal planning process, adding: “It’s right that we work now to secure the partnerships and ambition needed to make this vision a reality.”
The project would prioritise Scunthorpe-produced steel use and also commits to more than £50m investment in training and education locally.