Plans have been revealed to transform the former Ravenscraig steelworks into one of the country’s largest green AI data centres.
Apatura say the site, 20km east of Glasgow, is due to come online by 2030 and could create “thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment.”
It is estimated that the project will cost £3.9bn to build, contributing a one-off £1.2bn gross value added (GVA) boost to the regional economy and support 16,000 jobs across Scotland. Annually the GVA is estimated at £729m, with 2,399 long-term jobs – direct, indirect and induced.
“This proposal plays strongly to Scotland’s strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country’s significant capabilities in big data and research,” explained Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin.
“We’ve secured the land and grid, and we’re already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt.
“If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.”
The proposal is to develop it into a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres of the site. It will be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections.
York and Edinburgh-based Apatura said that the centre would harness renewable energy, using constrained wind and solar generation.
It added that it was working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd take the plans forward.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland’s renewable power capabilities. With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK’s AI infrastructure needs,” added Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig.
“This multi-billion pound investment project is a platform for national progress, combining energy, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation to create tangible economic and social benefits for Scotland and for the wider UK economy.”
Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke stated:
“Ravenscraig stands ready for the next chapter, a world-class digital and AI hub powered by Scotland’s renewable strength, creating thousands of local jobs during construction, driving billions in economic value, and transforming post-industrial land into the beating heart of a green, future-ready economy.
“This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It’s not just about building infrastructure, it’s about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.”
