Skyrocketing demand for artificial intelligence is driving a surge in investment, projected to reach $2.5 trillion in 2026 and $4 trillion by 2030. This investment is accelerating the development of new high-density data centres, as legacy facilities cannot support next-generation chips expected to exceed 200 kW per rack.

As AI workloads scale rapidly, the data centre industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Power, cooling systems, and site selection are being reimagined to accommodate the high densities required by modern AI infrastructure.

Location, location, location 

In the past, major data centre investments have focused on traditional European hubs in FLAP-D locations: Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. But these hubs are increasingly constrained by power availability, as well as growing planning and permitting restrictions.

As a result, the industry is starting to move towards emerging markets that can support the next generation of AI infrastructure. One such region is Derry/Londonderry, in the North West of Northern Ireland, which offers a unique combination of connectivity, power access, and strategic positioning, including:

• Robust connectivity and low latency to key markets 
• Scalable, reliable, low-cost power designed for AI workloads
• A location supporting UK data sovereignty
• Dual market access
• Green energy
• Anticipated designation as an AI Growth Zone

Fibre connectivity and low latency 

N’Ireland offers diverse, ultra-low-latency connectivity, with access to critical subsea cable systems and major fibre routes serving customers across Europe and North America. In particular, GreenScale’s Derry Campus delivers low-latency connections to key hubs including Dublin (4.5 ms), London (11.2 ms), and Frankfurt (21.5 ms). Its transatlantic connectivity is enabled by the EXA North cable, which achieves round-trip latency to New York of 63.7 ms. This combination of regional proximity and direct transatlantic reach not only provides access to high-value markets but also supports ultra-low-latency workloads such as AI inference and financial services.

Scalable, reliable, low-cost power 

The North West offers major advantages in meeting the power requirements of large-scale data centre projects. Strong and consistent regional wind resources can significantly reduce operating costs, especially when accessed through private wire connections, eliminating costly grid fees and charges. 

The System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), the organisation responsible for operating the high-voltage electricity transmission system, also welcomes new large demand connections, recognising them as mutually beneficial for the electricity system, with data centre demand helping to make use of stranded renewable capacity and enhance grid stability across the region.

Located within the UK for data compliance 

N’Ireland provides full UK data sovereignty. While London faces growing constraints around land availability, power capacity, and permitting, N’Ireland enables faster, lower-friction deployment within the same regulatory framework.

Dual market access

Under the Windsor Framework, N’Ireland is the only region globally with simultaneous frictionless access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market, allowing data centre operators to run UK, EU-aligned, and dual-market workloads from a single location without compliance or logistics barriers.

Green energy and sustainability 

The data centre industry faces increasing pressure to scale while meeting ambitious sustainability commitments. As one of the most wind-intensive regions in Europe, with 1.8 GW of renewable capacity today and additional capacity planned, N’Ireland enables operators to expand AI infrastructure while optimising renewable energy use. The region’s cool, temperate climate can also reduce cooling-related energy consumption, lowering both emissions and operating costs.

Anticipated AI Growth Zone designation 

Another key advantage is the anticipated approval of N’Ireland’s first AI Growth Zone (AIGZ) at Foyle Port, central to which is GreenScale’s Derry campus. Formal designation, supported by the UK Prime Minister and the regional business community, will unlock billions of pounds in investment through the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. 

A strategic location for scalable AI growth 

As AI infrastructure shifts toward ultra-high-density, power-intensive deployments, location has become a strategic priority. The North West combines scalable, cost-effective power, strong renewable generation, and low-latency connectivity to the UK, Europe, and North America, along with a supportive regulatory and policy environment.

The region already has a strong track record of attracting major technology investment. Storage technology company Seagate opened its Derry facility in 1993, establishing a major global manufacturing and technology hub in the city. In 2025, they alsoo announced a further £115 million investment in the site to advance next-generation data storage technologies and expand research and development capabilities. Digital infrastructure provider Vertiv also has a growing presence in the North West, supporting global data centre and digital infrastructure supply chains.

GreenScale’s Derry Campus reflects this growing momentum. Targeting first RFS in 2027, with more than 100 MW power secured and scalability beyond 300 MW, it provides a future-ready platform for hyperscale AI infrastructure while fully benefiting from Northern Ireland’s power, connectivity, and energy advantages.