Ravenscraig: 160-acre AI-data bank and battery store planned for former steelworks

A large-scale green energy-powered data centre is being proposed for part of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire.

Estimated to cost around £3.9bn, the plan comes from renewable energy developer Apatura, which is aiming to build the facility on 160 acres of land in central Scotland, around 20 kilometres east of Glasgow.

The development would include a data centre and battery energy storage, supported by 550 megawatts of grid connections expected to come online by 2030.

The site is one of five locations Apatura is progressing across Scotland’s central belt. Together, the company says these sites have over 1.6 gigawatts of confirmed grid connections, positioning them as some of the few AI-ready developments of this scale in the UK.

The Ravenscraig project is designed to make use of surplus renewable energy produced during high wind or solar output, which is often underused due to grid constraints. By redirecting that energy, the facility could help reduce congestion on the grid and lower overall energy system costs.

Green data centre and battery energy storage planned for Ravenscraig Neil Davidson

Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: “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.

“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.”

Once one of the largest hot strip steel mills in Europe, Ravenscraig closed in 1992 and has since been the focus of ongoing regeneration.

The data centre would be located within the existing Ravenscraig masterplan area, including the SevenFourEight business zone east of the Wishaw Deviation freight line.

Apatura is working with North Lanarkshire Council and Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the project, and has submitted the site for consideration under the UK Government’s AI Growth Zone programme. The bid is currently under review.

Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: “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.

Building works under way at Ravenscraig in February STV News

“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 said: “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.”

Ravenscraig undergoing huge reneration STV News

An independent study estimates that construction would contribute a one-off £1.2bn boost to gross value added, supporting the equivalent of 16,000 job years across Scotland.

Once operational, the data centre is projected to support 2,399 long-term jobs and add £729m in annual GVA. The study also estimates the project would increase Scotland’s annual GDP by 0.4%.

Grid constraint payments across the UK, made when energy cannot be transmitted from where it is generated to where it is needed, cost almost £1bn last year. That figure is expected to rise to £3bn by 2030.

Locating data centres in areas with excess renewable capacity, such as Ravenscraig, could help reduce these costs.

The site is accessible via the M74 and M8 motorways and has already benefited from infrastructure investment, including a £74m access road delivered by the local authority.

In addition to Ravenscraig, Apatura has identified four other AI-ready development sites in Scotland, with grid capacity totalling more than 1.6GW.

The outcome of the AI Growth Zone selection process is expected later this year.