UK may force data center developers to invest in local communities under AI covenant

The UK government is considering an AI "covenant" requiring data center developers to invest in local communities, meet sustainability rules and agree on energy use. Compliant projects could get priority grid access and fast-tracked planning approval.

• Covenant criteria include community investment, sustainability and energy-use agreements
• Compliant projects could get priority grid access and faster planning approval
• A Fife data center drew over 1,600 objections; a Welsh petition passed 26,000 signatures
• Microsoft pulled out of the UK's largest planned data center over grid connection in the early 2030s