UK rejects AI Growth Zone bid for Drax biomass-powered data center in Selby

The UK government rejected a bid by North Yorkshire Council, the University of York, and Drax to power a 1.2GW AI data center with the 2.58GW Drax biomass plant under the AI Growth Zone scheme. The proposal failed criteria on energy delivery, environmental impact, and local economic benefit. Drax has pivoted to a 100MW grid-powered data center.

• 1.2GW data center bid rejected under the AI Growth Zone scheme
• Drax emitted 14.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2025
• Project promised to capture at least 8 million tonnes of CO2 yearly with Mitsubishi
• Drax now plans a 100MW grid-powered data center