North Lincolnshire Council Approves AI Data Center Despite Carbon Emission Warnings

North Lincolnshire Council has unanimously approved plans for the Elsham Tech Park AI data center. Environmentalists warned that the facility could generate carbon emissions similar to all domestic flights in the UK.

Thu Mar 12 2026

AI Data Center Construction Approved

North Lincolnshire Council on Wednesday (local time) unanimously approved plans for the construction of Elsham Tech Park. This AI data center campus is set to be located next to the Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate near Scunthorpe. The decision is expected to establish new large-scale technological infrastructure in the Lincolnshire region.

Warnings Regarding Carbon Emissions

Environmentalists warned that the data center could cause significant levels of carbon emissions. They expressed environmental concerns, claiming that emissions from Elsham Tech Park would be comparable to those from all domestic flights in the UK. Despite these environmental warnings, the council ultimately approved the construction plans.

*Source: The Guardian World (2026-03-12)*

Tags: #Lincolnshire #data center #artificial intelligence #carbon emissions #UK #news