Former Scottish steel mill could become ‘green AI data centre’

It was once one of the biggest hot strip steel mills in Europe. Now plans have been unveiled to transform part of Ravenscraig into what its developers say could be “one of the UK’s largest green AI data centres”.

Ravenscraig Steelworks closed in 1992 and the site is now one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration initiatives with a focus on harnessing Scotland’s growing renewable energy resources.

The AI plan has been conceived by UK renewable energy developer Apatura which intends to develop a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres at the post-industrial site, located in central Scotland, less than 20km east of Glasgow.

Apatura chief executive Giles Hanglin said the 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.

“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.

Wind and solar

Hanglin says the site will be powered by 550MW of grid connections due to come online by 2030. It would harness Scotland’s growing supply of renewables, using constrained wind and solar generation that’s often wasted on windy, sunny days.

Apatura is working with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the proposal. Last month, Apatura put forward Ravenscraig as a candidate in the UK Government’s AI Growth Zone initiative which is now under consideration by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology.

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The process is designed to identify the very best sites in Britain in a race for AI supremacy. The site has not yet been selected, and the bid remains under review – however, Apatura hopes the Ravenscraig site will be among a handful of winners selected for accelerated UK Government support.

Hanglin says the £3.9 billion development could be “transformational for the area and the Scottish economy more broadly”.

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Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said the proposal "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.

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“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.”

The MP for the area, Pamela Nash, said:“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.”