Nscale’s planned AI data center in Loughton, Essex, is facing a reported grid-power delay that puts its 2027 debut out of reach. UK Power Networks reportedly told Nscale that sufficient grid power would not be available to the site until the early-to-mid-2030s.
A 2027 plan faces a 2030s grid forecast
The project was scheduled to begin operating in 2027. The reported supply forecast means it is expected to miss that timetable. UK Power Networks is the distribution network operator that would connect the site to the grid.
Nscale is seeking up to 90 MW
The planned GPU-based AI cloud data center is seeking up to 90 megawatts (MW) of capacity. Nscale said it remained committed to the project and was investigating on-site power generation and ways to accelerate its grid connection.
For broader company context, NeoTeo previously covered Nscale’s data-center buildout and IPO plans.
The UK data-center connection queue
Ofgem figures for June 2026 put 315 data centers awaiting connection in the UK, representing 73 gigawatts (GW) of demand, compared with 45 GW of peak energy demand for the country.
