Around three times as many enquiries about gas connections to power data centre developers were submitted in 2025 than in 2024, according to figures published by Future Energy Networks (FEN), the representative body for the UK gas networks.
FEN said 113 enquiries were made over the two years, which it said were a result of the significant delays developers are encountering in securing access to the electricity grid, although a proportion of these enquiries are at a speculative stage only and in some cases, there will be multiple enquiries related to one connection request. It said gas networks are currently processing 46 applications from data centre developers. Seven applications have been secured for connection to the gas network equalling a combined capacity of 15.4TWh.
FEN said new demand connections to the gas network typically take six to 24 months and securing a gas connection is generally quicker than constructing a data centre.
James Earl, CEO of Future Energy Networks (FEN), said: “The dramatic increase in the number of data centre enquiries to gas networks reflects the long delays developers are encountering in accessing the electricity grid. If we are to get ahead in the global AI race, bolster economic growth and secure future investment, we must harness the immense potential of both gas and electricity systems.”