The UK government is facing criticism over a proposal by Drax, the country's largest carbon emitter, to power a hyperscale AI data center using biomass. Critics argue the plan bypasses sustainability standards and would significantly increase carbon emissions, undermining goals to reduce the plant's environmental impact. While the government intends to lower biomass subsidies and limit operations to a backup role for renewables, the proposed 100 MW data center would operate outside the National Grid. This move could push annual emissions back up to 11 million tonnes of CO2, sparking cross-party opposition from MPs.
