Ravenscraig, once home to one of the biggest hot strip steel mills in Europe, is poised to become the site of one of the UK’s largest green AI data centres.
The centre, powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections from 2030, has been proposed for a 160-acre site by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura.
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.
An independent study calculated that it would contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland’s annual GDP and more than 2,300 jobs, directly and indirectly.
The Motherwell site is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland’s central belt. Apatura is one of only a few UK developers ready to deliver AI infrastructure at the proposed scale.
The 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.
Ravenscraig Steelworks, which closed in 1992, is now the site of 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 its 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.
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.”
Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig, said: “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.”
source