The race to build AI data centers is heating up worldwide. But many projects face a big hurdle: getting enough power. In the UK, Nscale’s £2 billion AI data center in Essex has everything ready—money, planning permission, even a grid connection. Yet, it still cannot switch on because the power isn’t arriving on time.
This problem isn’t unique to the UK. Over 100 data center projects across the country are considering gas-powered generation while they wait for grid connections. Some might wait close to a decade before getting enough electricity. One estimate showed more than 25% of planned data center capacity slipped in 2025 alone.
In the US, the situation is just as intense. The Energy Information Administration says commercial energy demand will outpace residential demand this year because of AI data center construction. That demand is expected to double by 2027. Yet, many projects face delays from protests and community pushback.
Community Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Protesters have blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects in the US, totaling $130 billion in value, from January to March 2026. Opposition groups more than doubled in number, from 396 at the end of 2025 to 833 by March 2026, spreading across 49 states. Over 235,000 petition signatures were gathered in this period alone.
Communities worry about noise, light pollution, flooding, traffic, and the impact on wildlife. Apple’s plans for a data center in Athenry, Ireland, were scrapped in May 2018 after years of complaints on these issues. Similar opposition has delayed or canceled major projects in the US, including a $12 billion campus in Wisconsin and large developments in Delaware and Virginia.
The Political Response and Industry Moves
Politicians are split on how to handle the surge in AI data centers. Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track their construction. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill to pause new projects until laws prevent utility price hikes and environmental damage.
Various US states have passed 28 laws targeting AI data centers. These rules limit water use and restrict passing costs to residents. Wyoming officials even found bacteria-contaminated water flushed into public sewers by a contractor linked to Meta’s data center project.
Meta’s Massive Investments Amid the Challenges
Meta is pushing forward with some of the largest AI data centers in North America. Its Louisiana Hyperion campus will cost more than $50 billion and grow to 5 gigawatts of compute power. This facility alone will create over 1,000 permanent jobs and support 3,000 construction workers at peak.
Meta has spent over $1.6 billion on contracts with local Louisiana businesses since December 2024. The company will also invest more than $1 billion in local infrastructure improvements. Meta covers all energy, water, and infrastructure costs for its data centers.
In Canada, Meta recently broke ground on a 1-gigawatt AI-optimized data center in Sturgeon County, Alberta. This is its first facility in Canada and 33rd worldwide. The Alberta center will also support over 3,000 construction jobs and more than 300 operational positions.
The Alberta site uses a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with dry cooling. This design avoids the need for a continuous water supply, addressing key environmental concerns. Alanna Hnatiw, mayor of Sturgeon County, said, “We’re excited to work with our new neighbours as we continue to make that vision a reality.”
What’s Next for AI Data Centers
AI data centers are crucial for powering the next wave of technology. But building them is not simple. Power supply limits, environmental impacts, and community resistance all slow progress.
In the UK, the Nscale spokesperson said, “We remain fully committed to the Loughton project.” But the reality is clear: without reliable power, even the best-funded projects stall.
In the US and Canada, companies like Meta are investing billions to build and innovate. Yet, the path forward will require balancing growth with local concerns and sustainability.
Based on
- Britain’s flagship AI data centre can’t get the power to switch on — thenextweb.com
- The fight against AI data centers is just beginning | The Verge — theverge.com
- Meta is doubling down on its Louisiana AI data center | Business Insider Africa — africa.businessinsider.com
- Data centers have already hiked electricity prices on the public by $23 billion. Good luck clawing that back | Fortune — fortune.com
- Canada’s getting its first Meta data center, and it’s built for AI | Business Insider Africa — africa.businessinsider.com
