What is a data centre and why is the UK building more?

The majority are due to be built in the next five years.

Have you ever wondered how the apps on your phone, the online games you play or the streaming services you watch movies on actually work?

Well, the answer is data centres - giant warehouses full of powerful computers - and the UK is about to get a lot more of them.

There are currently an estimated 477 of them in the UK but researchers say we could see 100 more in the next 5 years, partly because of the growth of Artificial Intelligence, or AI.

The government say data centres are vital, but some people are concerned about the huge amount of energy and water the new data centres will use.

What is a data centre?

Data centres, like this one under construction in Hertfordshire, are becoming more common in the UK.

You might not realise how big a role data centres play in your life already.

Picture a giant warehouse, packed full of rows and rows of very powerful computers.

These computers store, process and send out information that we use every single day.

So, whether you're streaming your favourite TV show, asking an AI chatbot a question, or just browsing the internet, data centres help that happen.

Without data centres, there'd be nowhere for your favourite shows, games, or videos to be stored.

A map showing where the new data centres are expected to open.

There's already nearly 500 data centres in the UK, but more and more are popping up because of the rise of AI.

Construction researchers Barbour ABI have analysed planning documents and say over half of the new centres would be in and around London, but there are also plans for some in Wales, Greater Manchester and other parts of the country.

Many of them are funded by huge US tech companies - think Google and Microsoft.

Why are people concerned?

Data centres use massive amount of water to cool down the computers inside, using

Just as the internet runs 24/7, so do data centres and there are also concerns about the environmental impact of these enormous buildings.

They need massive amounts of electricity to keep going, and lots of water to stay cool - and most current owners do not share data about their water consumption.

Why water? Well, with all those computers working day and night, data centres can get very hot. If they get too hot, the computers could overheat and break down.

While some systems use huge fans to blow cool air around to them keep cool, oher warehouses pump cold water through nearby pipes.

But some people are concerned that the huge amounts of water that are needed to keep the computers cool is bad for the environment, and could cause water shortages.

Two people pushing a trolley through a data centre in Viginia, USA

Energy is also a big issue.

Some experts have warned that the large amounts of energy needed to power data centres could also increase people's energy bills.

The fear is that as more energy is being used, the price for that energy will rise for everyone.

For instance, in 2023, data centres made up one fifth of Ireland's energy demand.

A spokesperson for the UK government said data centres were "essential" and an AI Energy Council had been established to make sure supply can meet demand, alongside £104bn in water infrastructure investment.