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General · 14 August 2026

Why a new Heathrow data centre has the energy watchdog sounding the alarm

Why a new Heathrow data centre has the energy watchdog sounding the alarm

Ofgem, the energy watchdog, wants to stop speculative tech projects occupying valuable space on the UK power network. The warning comes after Hounslow Council approved a 12.2-acre facility needing the same electricity supply that tens of thousands of ordinary homes use. London's regional government says developers have already requested ten times more power than the capital's 99 active sites currently consume.

Reported by City AM · How we write briefs

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