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Cardiff data centre plan could include temporary gas power plant
Overview
Developers behind a proposed data centre at the Cardiff East Park and Ride near Llanrumney are seeking permission for a temporary gas power plant to run the facility for up to five years if national grid connections are delayed. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups like Friends of the Earth, and local politicians due to environmental and noise concerns, while the Welsh government considers whether to take over the planning process.
Key points
- Developer Curtis Hall is proposing a data centre at the site of the Cardiff East Park and Ride near Llanrumney.
- A temporary gas power plant with a capacity of 49.9MW is proposed to operate for up to five years if a full national grid connection is delayed.
- The long-term operation of the data centre would require a 150MW connection from the national grid and utilise 40 backup diesel generators.
- Friends of the Earth and various local politicians, including Members of the Senedd and a Welsh government minister, have formally objected to the plans.
- Local residents have expressed concerns regarding potential noise, pollution, and the impact on nearby health services and housing.
- The Welsh government is considering taking over the planning process and plans to publish a wider policy on data centres by the end of the year.