The Drax data center project is targeting a major expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The proposed development will transform part of Drax Power Station’s industrial estate into a large-scale computing facility.
Brookfield and Qatar’s Qai will provide investment backing through their AI infrastructure joint venture. Meanwhile, Drax and Brookfield’s UK-based platform, Radiant, will jointly develop, deliver and operate the facility. The initial phase targets up to 100MW of computing capacity, with commercial operations planned from early 2028.
The development could eventually exceed one gigawatt (GW), positioning the site among the UK’s largest data center projects. Brookfield estimates that total investment could exceed £20 billion, including semiconductor chips. However, the initial £2.5 billion investment represents the first phase rather than the entire development.
Drax’s existing electricity infrastructure provides a significant advantage as developers seek suitable locations for energy-intensive computing facilities. The power station estate offers approximately 4GW of grid access and 2.6GW of dispatchable generation capacity. Furthermore, the site benefits from existing cooling systems and proximity to the UK fiber network.
Drax Data Center Project advances phased construction
The partners plan to deliver the development through three phases, allowing capacity to increase alongside infrastructure and customer requirements.
The first phase targets up to 100MW of computing capacity, with commercial operations scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. The facility will initially draw electricity directly from the grid through existing infrastructure.
Radiant will lead design, customer engagement and commercialization. Drax will oversee land, power integration and planning. Meanwhile, Brookfield and Qai will provide investment capital and operating capabilities through their joint venture.
The second phase aims to add another 500MW between 2028 and 2031. During this stage, developers intend to increase capacity and potentially integrate the facility more closely with Drax’s generation infrastructure.
The third phase will pursue additional capacity after 2031. Consequently, the partners could develop a computing campus exceeding 1GW, subject to investment decisions and infrastructure requirements.
The expansion of the UK’s data center construction market is also evident in Hertfordshire, where Equinix is advancing its £3.9 billion campus near South Mimms. The development will deliver more than 250MW of computing capacity across an 85-acre site. Unlike Drax, which intends to repurpose an established power station estate, Equinix is developing a previously approved Green Belt site. Both projects demonstrate how international investors are backing large-scale digital infrastructure to meet growing AI and cloud computing demand.
Drax Data Center Project awaits planning approvals
The first phase requires planning permission, regulatory approvals and network clearances before construction can proceed. Additionally, the partners must secure an acceptable data center tenant, negotiate commercial agreements and reach final investment decisions.
Drax is preparing a planning application for the initial development. The company expects public consultation to begin in November 2026, followed by the formal planning process.
The project also aligns with the UK Government’s efforts to accelerate strategically important data centers. The partners believe the development could strengthen domestic AI computing capacity, support energy security and attract international infrastructure investment.
Drax Group chief executive Will Gardiner said the partnership could help secure the site’s long-term future and protect hundreds of jobs. Brookfield’s AI infrastructure head, Sikander Rashid, also expects the development to create direct and indirect employment across Yorkshire.
Furthermore, the partners intend to establish a voluntary community benefits fund. They plan to develop the fund through consultation with communities surrounding Drax Power Station. The initiative would operate separately from planning obligations and existing Drax community programs.
The development could also provide a new commercial role for Drax Power Station as the UK expands its AI infrastructure. Nevertheless, its construction timeline depends on planning approvals, electricity network arrangements and securing customers.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Drax Data Center Project.
Location: Drax Power Station estate, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.
Type: Artificial intelligence data center and computing infrastructure development.
Initial investment: £2.5 billion
Potential total investment: More than £20 billion, including semiconductor chips.
Initial capacity: Up to 100MW.
Target initial operations: First quarter of 2028.
Second phase: Additional 500MW between 2028 and 2031.
Third phase: Further capacity after 2031.
Ultimate capacity target: More than 1GW.
Existing infrastructure: Approximately 4GW of grid access and 2.6GW of dispatchable generation capacity.
Planning status: Initial planning application in preparation.
Public consultation: Expected to begin in November 2026.
Project status: Proposed development awaiting planning, regulatory, network and commercial approvals.
Project Team
Developer and power infrastructure partner: Drax Group.
Investment partners:
- Brookfield.
- Qai, a Qatar-based technology company operating under the Doha Investment platform.
Investment vehicle: Brookfield-Qai AI infrastructure joint venture.
AI infrastructure developer and operator: Radiant, Brookfield’s UK-headquartered AI infrastructure platform.
Design and commercialization: Radiant.
Land provision and power integration: Drax Group.
Planning and development coordination: Drax Group.
Investment capital and operating capabilities: Brookfield-Qai joint venture.
Drax Group chief executive: Will Gardiner.
Brookfield head of AI infrastructure: Sikander Rashid.
Qai chairman and managing director: Abdulla Al-Misnad.
Radiant chief executive: Mahdi Yahya.
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