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Derbyshire AI factory proposal targets UK's sovereign computing needs
A planning application for a modular AI data center in Derbyshire has been submitted, aiming to address the UK's "urgent need" for sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure. Carbon3.AI, the project's developer, filed documents with Chesterfield Borough Council for the facility, proposed for a site adjacent to the M1 motorway near Erin Road landfill, between Duckmanton and Poolsbrook.
Strategic site selection and energy integration
The proposed location sits beside the Valencia Energy Centre, a renewable energy plant that converts landfill gas into electricity. Planning documents highlight that the AI factory would draw power directly from the center via private wire connections, emphasizing sustainability as a core feature of the project.
Developers argue the proximity to existing renewable infrastructure aligns with the facility's goal of combining "secure, sustainable, and accessible" high-capacity computing with low-carbon energy sources.
Modular design for flexibility and scalability
The facility's modular construction is designed to allow for straightforward upgrades or dismantling, should operations cease or relocate. According to the application, this adaptability ensures the project can evolve alongside technological advancements or shifting demand.
Economic and strategic significance
Carbon3.AI's submission describes the proposal as "of strategic regional and national importance," citing its potential to bolster the UK's domestic AI capabilities. The documents claim the development would:
- Deliver critical sovereign computing infrastructure, reducing reliance on overseas data centers.
- Stimulate local and regional economic growth through investment and job creation, particularly in high-skilled tech roles.
- Serve as a model for integrating renewable energy with advanced digital infrastructure.
The proposed facility will address the pressing national requirement for secure, sustainable, and accessible high-capacity digital computing resources.
Carbon3.AI planning documents
Next steps
Chesterfield Borough Council will review the application, with a decision expected in the coming months. If approved, the project could position Derbyshire as a hub for AI infrastructure, leveraging its renewable energy assets to support the UK's digital ambitions.
