Campaigners unite to stop dirty Data Centres
On Friday and Saturday 27-28 February communities and campaigners across the country joined together to oppose Big Tech's unchecked expansion of hyperscale data centres.
Local campaigners and NGOs concerned by hyperscale data centre growth organised public-actions to draw attention to the risks this infrastructure poses to the environment and local communities.
Protest at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero:
On Friday morning campaigners joined together outside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to kick off the Stop Dirty Data Centres days of action.
Friday saw Energy Secretary Ed Miliband admit that the impact data centres will have on the UK's efforts to lower carbon emissions to net zero is "inherently uncertain". Campaigners questioned the wisdom of reforming the planning system to fast-track data centre approvals without knowing how these massive energy-hungry data centres will impact our climate and transition to net zero.
Flashmob in Iver, Buckinghamshire:
In Iver, Buckinghamshire , campaigners with Iver Heath Residents Association took part in a flash mob to voice concerns about the rapid expansion of Hyper Scale Data Centres in and around the Ivers. They were supported by campaigners from Hillingdon Friends of the Earth.
The UK government is so keen to fast track data centre development through the planning process as 'vital infrastructure' for economic growth, that there has not been enough scrutiny and oversight of potential impacts – particularly to local communities. We are, therefore, in support of a moratorium on all future hyperscale data centre development unless and until there is informed debate, a public enquiry and a meaningful community designed engagement framework that ensures ownership of the process by those most likely to be impacted. Global Tech Bro interests should be required to respect this, not ignore it.
Leigh Tugwood, Co-chair Iver Heather Residents Association
Save Brick Lane:
In Brick Lane, campaigners with Save Brick Lane who have been campaigning for the site of the Truman brewery to be used for social housing went to the site of the proposed data centre.
Potters Bar:
In Potters Bar, members of “Save 85 Acres of Greenbelt in Potters Bar” talked to local residents as they attended a consultation event held by Equinix, the operator for the data centre proposed there. They educated local people on their concerns, and encouraged people to ask questions of the developers.
Many of the locals were interested to hear what they had to say:
North Ockenden:
Credit: The Havering Daily
In North Ockenden, Havering people came out to protest a proposed 600MW data centre. Havering council is expected to launch a consultation on the proposed data centre soon using a Local Development Order. The community are worried that 30 days is not adequate consultation for them to digest and respond to over 2700 pages of documents.
March Against the Machines:
In Central London, hundreds marched to different AI offices and called on the UK government to fund Citizens’ Assemblies on AI, so ordinary people, informed by experts, can democratically decide on how they want AI to be used in the UK and implement their decisions. The march was followed by an assembly where participants reflected on AI and imagined what better ways of using technology could look like.
Scotland:
In Scotland, campaigners with APRS - Action to Protect Rural Scotland and Global Justice now are organising public teach-ins about data data centres and the planning system on 2 & 5 March as part of the days of action.
All About Data Centres: Monday 2nd March 2026 – 7pm – 8.30pm.
Big Tech, Climate Change and Planning Law: 5 March 2026: 6:15 pm, to 8:00 pm.
The Stop Dirty Data Centres days of action gave voice to the growing number of communities across the country who are questioning the wisdom of rushing to build ever more AI - Hyperscale data centres at the expense of local communities, climate targets and the environment. By taking action together and connecting with all those concerned about data centres, groups are building the power we need to ensure we only build the data centres we really need, with real community involvement and without sacrificing the environment. The days of action are the first visible sign of a growing movement questioning AI – Hyperscale data centres across the country.
Owen Espley, Community Campaigns Manager, at Global Action Plan
The Days of Action were supported by the following organisations and local campaign groups: APRS - Action to Protect Rural Scotland; Biofuel Watch; Corporate Europe Observatory; Foxglove; Friends of the Earth England Wales and Northern Ireland; Global Justice Now; Havering Friends of the Earth; Hillingdon Friends of the Earth; Iver Heath Residents Association; London Mining Network; North Ockenden Residents Association against East Havering Data Centre; Pull The Plug
If you are fighting a data centre where you live and want to get be in touch with others doing the same, then please contact us:
[email protected] / 020 4566 9904
To stay up to date with our data centre campaigning: