Data Centre Energy Policy Roundtable

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a strategic national priority. However, delivering the UK's AI ambitions will depend on one critical question:

Can our energy and infrastructure systems keep pace?

As government accelerates AI Growth Zones and investment in digital infrastructure, the challenge is no longer simply building more data centres. It is creating a coordinated approach to power, planning, networks, investment and regulation that enables projects to be delivered at the pace AI demands.

Across the sector, industry leaders recognise that the barriers extend beyond electricity generation alone. Grid connections, planning and consenting, network capacity, investment certainty, security and cross-sector coordination all have a critical role to play in determining whether the UK can realise its AI ambitions.

This invitation-only roundtable will bring together senior representatives from government, data centre operators, network operators, utilities, planning specialists, technology providers and investors to explore how the UK can overcome these challenges and unlock AI-enabled growth.

Rather than focusing on individual projects, the discussion will examine the wider policy and infrastructure landscape, identifying practical reforms, improving collaboration between industry and government, and exploring how the UK's energy, planning and digital infrastructure systems can evolve together.

Discussion themes:

• Delivering the power required for AI Growth Zones and large-scale digital infrastructure.

• Reforming grid connections and accelerating infrastructure delivery.

• Planning, consenting and policy frameworks for nationally significant digital infrastructure.

• The role of transmission, distribution and strategic network planning.

• Behind-the-meter solutions, private wire, microgrids and flexible generation.

• Investment, resilience and security in future digital infrastructure.

• Strengthening collaboration between government, regulators and industry to accelerate delivery.

The discussion will be held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage open, constructive dialogue between industry and policymakers.

Places are limited to ensure a balanced and interactive discussion.