20 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ravenscraig steel works could become UK's biggest AI hub
Under plans put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura a data centre with battery energy storage over 160 acres would be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030.
The company says the Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables – using constrained wind and solar generation that's often wasted on windy, sunny days – helping to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK.
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Apatura says the development could bring an additional £1.2bn in economic benefit during construction, and support 2,399 long-term jobs.
The development is earmarked for the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and the remaining vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight.
Strategically positioned within the Ravenscraig masterplan and with direct access to both the M74 and M8 motorways, SevenFourEight is a key industrial and business centre in Scotland's central belt.
Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: 'This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research.
'We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt.
'If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.'
How Apatura Ravenscraig might look (Image: Apatura) Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs.
'This multi-billion pound investment project is a platform for national progress, combining energy, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation to create tangible economic and social benefits for Scotland and for the wider UK economy."
Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke said: 'Ravenscraig stands ready for the next chapter, a world-class digital and AI hub powered by Scotland's renewable strength, creating thousands of local jobs during construction, driving billions in economic value, and transforming post-industrial land into the beating heart of a green, future-ready economy.
'This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It's not just about building infrastructure, it's about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.'
