The UK government has rejected a proposal to power a 1.2GW AI data center in Selby, North Yorkshire, using Drax's biomass plant. The project, backed by North Yorkshire Council and the University of York, was submitted under the AI Growth Zone scheme. Officials said it failed on credible energy delivery, environmental considerations, and local economic benefit. Drax's biomass plant is the UK's largest single generator but also one of its biggest emitters, releasing 14.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2025. The bid claimed carbon-negative status through carbon capture and storage, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries equipment capturing at least 8 million tonnes a year. That claim did not pass the government's criteria. Drax has now shifted to a smaller 100MW data center that would take power from the national grid rather than directly from the plant. The company says it plans to submit the first phase for planning in the coming months, with a possible online date before the end of the decade.
