Microsoft to Power Loughton Data Centre with AI Supercomputer
Microsoft will invest in a new AI supercomputer at the Loughton data centre, boosting the UK’s AI capabilities and supporting sectors from healthcare to defence.
A new AI supercomputer at Loughton in Essex is set to position the UK at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution.
The £2bn data centre, originally planned to open in 2026, will now receive part of Microsoft's £22bn investment into UK technology, enabling the site to host one of the world's most powerful AI systems.
The Loughton Project
The four-acre facility will become the UK's largest AI data centre, creating about 250 permanent jobs when it starts operating in 2026. It aims to support sectors such as healthcare, defence and more by providing substantial computing power.
Originally backed by a £2bn investment from Nscale, the project will now tap into Microsoft's £22bn technology fund. NVIDIA will supply thousands of AI chips to create a supercomputer that operates continuously as a single, vast computing system.
Potential Applications
The centre will initially deliver 50MW of AI capacity, scalable to 90MW—nearly three times more than the world's fastest current supercomputer. According to Dominic Davies of Lightbringer, this will place Loughton among the top global AI infrastructures.
These resources will train advanced AI models and power real-time services like voice assistants. At launch, the centre will host 23,040 NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs), making it one of the most formidable AI computing hubs ever constructed, says Davies.
Challenges Ahead
While AI promises to enhance efficiency in public services, concerns persist over transparency and accountability in automated decisions. The centre's vast energy needs—for both computation and cooling—pose logistical hurdles, especially given the UK's high energy costs and the push for renewable sources.
Google has attributed a 48% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 to its AI centres. AI expert Dr Haider Raza warns that steep electricity costs could hinder growth. 'We must boost data centre efficiency,' he says.
The government is 'exploring bold, clean energy solutions' to support its AI goals. Robust internet connectivity and cybersecurity measures will also be crucial to handle sensitive data and ensure reliable operations.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK is on track to become a global AI leader, promising 'more jobs, increased investment and transformed public services.'
The Loughton supercomputer marks a major step in the UK's AI strategy, delivering unprecedented computing power to drive innovation across healthcare, defence and beyond.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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