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On November 3, 2026, Drax announced that it has signed an agreement with Brookfield and Radiant to develop, deliver and operate an AI data center at the Drax power station in North Yorkshire, with a target capacity of more than 1GW, to be advanced in three phases. Brookfield estimates that total investment, including chips, could exceed £20 billion, of which the first phase accounts for £2.5 billion, with funding and operational capability provided by the Brookfield-Qai AI infrastructure joint venture. The first phase targets up to 100MW of computing capacity and commercial operation in the first quarter of 2028, drawing power directly from the grid; the second phase plans to add 500MW between 2028 and 2031, switching to direct power supply from Drax's existing generation through long-term power purchase agreements. Before construction begins, the project requires planning and regulatory approvals, secured tenants and a final investment decision; the planning application is being prepared, and public consultation is expected to begin in November 2026.
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Nov 3
The Guardian Technology
Britain's most polluting Drax power plant plans to build a 1GW AI data center, with investment exceeding £20 billion
Britain's most polluting Drax biomass power plant plans to build the country's largest AI data center at its site, with final capacity exceeding 1GW and investment potentially exceeding £20 billion; the first phase of 100MW of computing power is expected to come into operation in the first quarter of 2028. Drax will first provide land and existing grid connections, and hopes to achieve direct power supply in the early 2030s. After the announcement, Drax's market value rose nearly 9% to nearly £3 billion.
Unite.AI
Drax Signs Agreements with Brookfield and Radiant to Build AI Data Center at North Yorkshire Power Station
Drax announced on November 3, 2026 that it has signed agreements with Brookfield and Radiant to develop, deliver and operate an AI data center at the Drax power station in North Yorkshire, to be advanced in three phases with a target of more than 1GW. Brookfield estimates that total investment, including chips, could exceed £20 billion, of which the first phase accounts for £2.5 billion, with funding and operational capability provided by the Brookfield-Qai AI infrastructure joint venture. The first phase targets up to 100MW of compute capacity and commercial operation in the first quarter of 2028, drawing power directly from the grid; the second phase plans to add 500MW between 2028 and 2031, switching to direct supply from Drax's existing generation through a long-term power purchase agreement. Before construction begins, the project must obtain planning and regulatory approvals, secure tenants and complete a final investment decision; the planning application is being prepared, and public consultation is expected to begin in November 2026.
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