North Wales 450MW data center sparks protests from 24,000 people

Plans for an AI data center on the former Ferodo factory site near the Menai Strait in Wales have drawn demonstrations and a petition with over 24,000 signatures. The 450MW Canolfan Ddata Mena project would cover 40 hectares — "equivalent to 57 football pitches" — and promises 200 permanent jobs, but opponents cite asbestos contamination and a lack of local benefit.

• Site covers 40 hectares with a 450MW power connection
• Petition against the project has over 24,000 signatures
• About 300 people attended a demonstration in Caernarfon
• Factory has been derelict since 2008 and contains asbestos