Equinix, a leader in digital infrastructure, is advancing its footprint in the UK with a substantial investment of £3.9 billion. The company has acquired an 85-acre land in Hertfordshire for a new data centre development. This initiative is set to bolster the UK’s critical national infrastructure with over 250MW of computing capacity.
Such developments are vital for supporting various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The project aligns with UK’s ambition to lead in AI and digital technology.
Equinix’s Hertfordshire site, temporarily named DC01UK, will generate approximately 2,500 jobs during its construction phase, with over 200 permanent roles expected post-completion. According to KPMG, this could contribute £120 million in wages. Moreover, the site’s construction and operations could add up to £3 billion in annual Gross Value Added (GVA) during its build and £260 million upon operationalization.
Interestingly, Equinix emphasizes community partnership with aimed involvement in education, employment, and environmental initiatives. The site will dedicate 54% of its area to open space and adopt dry cooling methods to minimize water usage. Additionally, there is a plan for biodiversity enhancements ensuring a net gain of at least 10%.
This effort underpins Equinix’s role in socio-economic development with its vast network of data centers across the globe. Their facilities in Europe, including the UK, already operate on 100% renewable energy, and similar commitments extend worldwide aiming for complete renewable energy reliance by 2030.
James Tyler, UK Managing Director of Equinix, emphasizes the significance of the investment. “The UK is a cornerstone of the global economy and is a natural home for our most substantial investment in Europe to date. This development brings a significant amount of data centre capacity to Britain, contributing to the government’s AI growth ambition. But this investment goes far beyond building the infrastructure needed to unlock the UK’s digital potential. It’s the evolution of an ongoing partnership with the local and national community.”
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall resonates similar optimism, highlighting the vast potential this correction offers.
Luisa Cardani, Head of Data Centres at techUK, reinforces the indispensable role of data centers in economic growth and innovation.
This major investment not only marks a milestone in Equinix’s UK operations but sets a standard for sustainable development. With existing commitments, including employing over 1,200 UK citizens and operating 14 data centers, Equinix’s contributions to the UK economy and digital landscape remain significant and growing.
