The UK is set to build Britain’s first nuclear-powered data centre using small modular reactors in Cottam, Nottinghamshire, aiming to address the soaring energy needs of AI but facing technical and environmental challenges.
The Trent Valley, historically synonymous with Britain’s coal-fired power industry, stands on the cusp of a dramatic transformation aimed at positioning the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and clean energy innovation. Plans unveiled for Britain’s first nuclear-powered data centre, based in Cottam, Nottinghamshire, propose the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the staggering energy demands that AI-driven technologies require. This £11 billion project, backed by a partnership including US firm Holtec, EDF UK, and real estate manager Tritax, is set to open by 2032 and could mark the rebirth of the region as an electrifying hub akin to Silicon Valley.
The concept is a bold response to the escalating energy hunger of AI data centres, whose power consumption is staggering by any standard. One such facility training AI models can consume as much as 1.5 gigawatts of electricity—equivalent to supplying a city the size of Birmingham or powering 750,000 homes. This figure is nearly the same as the combined 1.6GW currently used by all UK data centres and could more than double with projects already underway. Such soaring demand raises critical questions about the capacity of the National Grid and the sustainability of existing power infrastructure.
Government ambitions to fulfil these needs are anchored in nuclear power, with SMRs playing a central role in the strategy. The project at Cottam is particularly notable for employing a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates water, addressing a key concern given the UK’s scarcity of cooling water—an issue that has already led to objections against water-heavy data centre developments in dry regions like Lincolnshire and the Thames Valley. Moreover, the project benefits from existing strong National Grid connections, as Cottam was previously the site of coal-fired power stations on the River Trent.
This initiative is part of a broader UK-US nuclear collaboration unveiled during former President Donald Trump’s state visit, which also includes a £14 billion investment in the Sizewell C plant and Rolls-Royce’s SMR plans expected for the mid-2030s. The partnership aims not only to accelerate nuclear development but also to streamline regulatory approvals by harmonising UK and US safety standards. This transatlantic cooperation promises job creation, energy resilience, and a pathway towards a low-carbon future.
Despite the optimism, the SMR-based data centre plan faces scepticism. Experts caution that SMRs remain “unproven technology” and point to the historical trend of nuclear projects exceeding budgets and timelines. There is concern that the data centre might be completed before the reactors are operational, potentially exacerbating grid congestion. Furthermore, environmental campaigners warn of a delicate balance between expanding AI infrastructure and meeting the UK’s climate commitments. The powerful cooling and power demands of data centres pose trade-offs, especially given the noise, visual impact, and limited permanent local jobs created by such facilities.
Adding to these challenges, recent studies reveal the immense and rapidly growing power consumption associated with AI. Research indicates AI could soon account for nearly half of data centre energy use, with new models such as OpenAI’s GPT-5 potentially consuming up to eight times more energy than its predecessor. The scale of this consumption is staggering: all queries processed by GPT-5 could draw power equivalent to that of two to three nuclear reactors daily. These figures underscore the urgency of sustainable solutions like the Cottam SMR project, yet they also amplify the pressures on infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
In response, data centre design is evolving to cope with these energy and thermal demands. Industry reports highlight a shift towards liquid cooling technologies to manage the increased heat generated by AI workloads, as conventional air cooling methods become inadequate. This technological evolution further emphasises the need for reliable, low-carbon energy sources capable of supporting burgeoning AI ecosystems without compromising environmental goals.
The Cottam SMR-powered data centre represents a convergence of climate ambitions, technological innovation, and economic strategy. While the project carries significant promise as a linchpin in the UK’s AI and clean energy futures, its success depends on overcoming technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges. A careful, measured approach will be essential to ensure that the UK can harness the potential of AI without undermining its Net Zero targets or community wellbeing.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1], [3], [4]
- Paragraph 2 – [1], [5], [6], [7]
- Paragraph 3 – [1], [3], [4]
- Paragraph 4 – [2], [4]
- Paragraph 5 – [1]
- Paragraph 6 – [1], [5], [6]
- Paragraph 7 – [7]
- Paragraph 8 – [1], [2], [5]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from September 14, 2025, announcing plans for a nuclear-powered data centre at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is September 15, 2025, with coverage across multiple reputable outlets. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative has been republished across various reputable sources, including Reuters ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/britain-us-sign-nuclear-power-pact-during-trumps-visit-2025-09-15/?utm_source=openai)), EDF Energy ([edfenergy.com](https://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/holtec-international-edf-uk-and-tritax-announce-plans-develop-cottam-site-data-centres-and?utm_source=openai)), and Insider Media ([insidermedia.com](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/central-and-eastmidlandsnorth-westyorkshire/thousands-of-jobs-could-be-created-as-agreement-signed-to-develop-small-modular-reactors-on-former-cottam-power-station-site?utm_source=openai)). This widespread coverage indicates that the content is not original and has been disseminated through multiple channels. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the extensive republishing across multiple reputable outlets suggests that the content is not original. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from various individuals, including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, EDF UK CEO Simone Rossi, and Holtec President Dr Rick Springman. These quotes appear in the press release dated September 14, 2025, and have been used in multiple reputable outlets. The earliest known usage of these quotes is in the press release itself. The identical quotes appearing in earlier material suggest that the content is potentially reused. The wording of the quotes remains consistent across different sources, indicating no variations.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, EDF UK, and has been disseminated through multiple reputable outlets, including Reuters ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/britain-us-sign-nuclear-power-pact-during-trumps-visit-2025-09-15/?utm_source=openai)), EDF Energy ([edfenergy.com](https://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/holtec-international-edf-uk-and-tritax-announce-plans-develop-cottam-site-data-centres-and?utm_source=openai)), and Insider Media ([insidermedia.com](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/central-and-eastmidlandsnorth-westyorkshire/thousands-of-jobs-could-be-created-as-agreement-signed-to-develop-small-modular-reactors-on-former-cottam-power-station-site?utm_source=openai)). This widespread coverage indicates that the content is reliable and has been vetted by multiple reputable sources.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a plausible plan for developing a nuclear-powered data centre at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. The project is backed by reputable organisations, including Holtec International, EDF UK, and Tritax Management. The plan aligns with the UK’s ambitions to invest in nuclear energy and digital infrastructure. The narrative includes specific details, such as the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the potential creation of thousands of jobs, which are consistent with the information provided in the press release and subsequent reports. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate and official communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a press release that has been widely republished across multiple reputable outlets, indicating recycled content. The identical quotes appearing in earlier material suggest potential reuse. While the source is reliable, the lack of original reporting and the recycling of content from the press release lead to a ‘FAIL’ verdict.
Supercharge Your Content Strategy
Feel free to test this content on your social media sites to see whether it works for your community.
