Latest news with #GilesHanglin
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
First look at £4BILLION Scots plans for ‘UK's biggest' AI data farm the size of 100 football pitches
Once it is up and running, the developer said the huge facility will support thousands of 'long-term' jobs BIG REVEAL First look at £4BILLION Scots plans for 'UK's biggest' AI data farm the size of 100 football pitches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Plans have been unveiled to transform a former steelworks into one of the UK's largest, green, AI data centres, with the developer saying it will create thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment. The proposals would see a data centre and battery energy storage facility built on the site of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell, which closed in 1992. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A CGI showing the scale of the plans proposed for part of the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig. Credit: PA 6 Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt, backed by over 1.6GW of confirmed grid connections, making them one of only a few UK developers ready to deliver AI infrastructure at this scale. Credit: PA 6 The proposed facility would be built on the 160-acre site of the former Ravenscraig steelworks (Apatura/PA) Credit: PA Renewable energy developer Apatura, which is behind the plans, said the facility would "harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables" - including "constrained" - or surplus - wind and solar energy that would otherwise go to waste. Once it is up and running, Apatura said the £3.9 billion facility will support 2,399 "long-term" jobs and contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland's annual GDP. The developer added that the construction phase alone would deliver a one-off £1.2 billion boost to the economy and support "16,000 job years" across Scotland. Apatura has also put the site forward as a candidate in the UK Government's AI Growth Zone initiative, which aims to support AI-enabled data centres by improving access to power and providing planning assistance. Apatura's chief executive, 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." The proposed development is one of five "AI-ready" sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt, backed, the company said, by more than 1.6 gigawatts of "confirmed" grid connections. The developer added that by making use of surplus renewable energy the sites would play a "vital role" in reducing constrained energy payments, which are paid to energy suppliers to reduce output when it exceeds grid capacity. Apature said constrained energy payments cost £1 billion last year and are forecast to rise to £3 billion by 2030. David Beckham in hospital as Victoria shares picture of star with arm in sling & sweet 'get well soon daddy' message 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." 6 The former steelworks site at Ravenscraig as it once was, before it closed in 1992 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 6 A CGI showing the ambitious plans Credit: PA 6 Another image showing how the AI date farm may look Credit: PA Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash described the plans as "the kind of joined-up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs". "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," she said. She added: "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."
The National
3 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Sign of the times as Scottish former steelworks to become AI data centre
Plans have been unveiled to transform a former steelworks into one of the UK's largest sustainable AI data centres, with the developer saying it will create thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment. The proposals would see a data centre and battery energy storage centre built on the site of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell, which closed in 1992. Renewable energy developer Apatura, which is behind the plans, said the centre would 'harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables' – including 'constrained' – or surplus – wind and solar energy that would otherwise go to waste. Once it is up and running, Apatura said the £3.9 billion centre will support 2,399 long-term jobs and contribute an additional 0.4 per cent to Scotland's annual GDP. The developer added that the construction phase alone would deliver a one-off £1.2 billion boost to the economy and support '16,000 job years' across Scotland. Apatura has also put the site forward as a candidate in the UK Government's AI Growth Zone initiative, which aims to support AI-enabled data centres by improving access to power and providing planning assistance. '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," said Apatura's chief executive, Giles Hanglin. '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.' The proposed project is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is development across Scotland's central belt, backed, the company said, by more than 1.6 gigawatts of 'confirmed' grid connections. The developer added that, by making use of surplus renewable energy, the sites would play a 'vital role' in reducing constrained energy payments, which are paid to energy suppliers to reduce output when it exceeds grid capacity. Apature said constrained energy payments cost £1 billion last year and are forecast to rise to £3 billion by 2030. 'This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities," said Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig. 'With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig master plan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs. 'This multibillion 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.' Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash described the plans as 'the kind of joined-up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs'. '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,' she said. '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.'
STV News
6 hours ago
- Business
- STV News
Ravenscraig: 160-acre AI-data bank and battery store planned for former steelworks
A large-scale green energy-powered data centre is being proposed for part of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire. Estimated to cost around £3.9bn, the plan comes from renewable energy developer Apatura, which is aiming to build the facility on 160 acres of land in central Scotland, around 20 kilometres east of Glasgow. The development would include a data centre and battery energy storage, supported by 550 megawatts of grid connections expected to come online by 2030. The site is one of five locations Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt. Together, the company says these sites have over 1.6 gigawatts of confirmed grid connections, positioning them as some of the few AI-ready developments of this scale in the UK. The Ravenscraig project is designed to make use of surplus renewable energy produced during high wind or solar output, which is often underused due to grid constraints. By redirecting that energy, the facility could help reduce congestion on the grid and lower overall energy system costs. Neil Davidson Green data centre and battery energy storage planned for Ravenscraig 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.' Once one of the largest hot strip steel mills in Europe, Ravenscraig closed in 1992 and has since been the focus of ongoing regeneration. The data centre would be located within the existing Ravenscraig masterplan area, including the SevenFourEight business zone east of the Wishaw Deviation freight line. Apatura is working with North Lanarkshire Council and Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the project, and has submitted the site for consideration under the UK Government's AI Growth Zone programme. The bid is currently under review. 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. STV News Building works under way at Ravenscraig in February '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.' STV News Ravenscraig undergoing huge reneration An independent study estimates that construction would contribute a one-off £1.2bn boost to gross value added, supporting the equivalent of 16,000 job years across Scotland. Once operational, the data centre is projected to support 2,399 long-term jobs and add £729m in annual GVA. The study also estimates the project would increase Scotland's annual GDP by 0.4%. Grid constraint payments across the UK, made when energy cannot be transmitted from where it is generated to where it is needed, cost almost £1bn last year. That figure is expected to rise to £3bn by 2030. Locating data centres in areas with excess renewable capacity, such as Ravenscraig, could help reduce these costs. The site is accessible via the M74 and M8 motorways and has already benefited from infrastructure investment, including a £74m access road delivered by the local authority. In addition to Ravenscraig, Apatura has identified four other AI-ready development sites in Scotland, with grid capacity totalling more than 1.6GW. The outcome of the AI Growth Zone selection process is expected later this year. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Plans to transform Ravenscraig into one of the UK's largest green AI data centres
Developers Apatura is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the proposal. It was once one of the biggest hot strip steel mills in Europe. Now plans have been unveiled to transform part of Ravenscraig into what could become one of the UK's largest green AI data centres – bringing thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment. The ambitious proposal has been put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura, with plans to develop a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres at the iconic post-industrial site, located in central Scotland, less than 20km east of Glasgow. It will be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt, backed by over 1.6GW of confirmed grid connections, making them one of only a few UK developers ready to deliver AI infrastructure at this scale. 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. Commenting on the bid, 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.' Apatura is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the proposal. Last month, Apatura put forward Ravenscraig as a candidate in the UK Government's AI Growth Zone initiative which is now under consideration by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. The process is designed to identify the very best sites in Britain in what is becoming a global race for AI supremacy. The site has not yet been selected, and the bid remains under review – however, it is hoped the Ravenscraig site will be among a handful of winners selected for accelerated UK Government support. The development could be transformational for the area and the Scottish economy more broadly. It is estimated the project will cost £3.9 billion to build and an independent socio-economic study calculated that the Ravenscraig data centre would contribute an additional 0.4 per cent to Scotland's annual GDP once operational. Construction activity would deliver a one-off £1.2 billion GVA (gross value added) boost, supporting over 16,000 job years across Scotland. Ongoing annual GVA contribution is estimated at £729 million, supporting 2,399 long-term jobs. Additionally, developing high-demand data centres in Scotland's central belt could play a vital role in reducing grid constraint payments, which cost nearly £1 billion last year and are forecast to rise to £3 billion by 2030. 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.' Once home to the Ravenscraig Steelworks, which closed in 1992, the site is now one of Europe's largest brownfield regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site. This latest proposal is a potent symbol of Ravenscraig's regeneration, with development 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. 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.' Motherwell youngsters team up to promote smoke-free environments Ravenscraig has secured significant support from North Lanarkshire Council over the years, including a new £74 million access road being delivered by the council. In addition to Ravenscraig, Apatura has assembled a portfolio of a further four, grid-secured, AI-ready sites across Scotland's central belt, with grid connections totalling over 1.6GW ensuring Scotland has the best possible chance to play a leading role in the next industrial revolution.
The National
8 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Plans for 550-megawatt AI centre with 2000 jobs at ex-Ravenscraig steelworks
Developers hope the proposals will bring thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment to the area. Edinburgh and York-based renewable energy developer Apatura has proposed to develop a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres at the post-industrial site, located in central Scotland, less than 20km east of Glasgow. It will be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. READ MORE: Will the BBC televise Kneecap's Glastonbury performance? How to watch Ravenscraig is one of five sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt. The developer has said it would be a "green AI data centre," using constrained wind and solar generation that's "often wasted on windy, sunny days". The Ravenscraig Steelworks closed in 1992, and is now one of Europe's largest brownfield regeneration and community creation initiatives. Apatura is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the proposal. It is estimated the project will cost £3.9 billion to build and an independent socio-economic study calculated that the centre would contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland's annual GDP once operational, with construction activity delivering a one-off £1.2bn GVA (gross value added) boost, supporting over 16,000 job years across Scotland. The ongoing annual GVA contribution is estimated at £729 million, supporting 2399 long-term jobs (direct, indirect, and induced). Commenting on the bid, 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.' 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,' Wilkie said. Development is also 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. Ravenscraig has secured support from North Lanarkshire Council over the years, including a new £74 million access road being delivered by the council.
