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Drax Datacenter Emissions Could Outweigh Gatwick Flights Annually

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What’s reported

A campaign group's analysis suggests Drax's proposed datacentre could emit 8.6 million tonnes of CO2 annually by burning 4.9 million tonnes of wood, nearly double the emissions from all Gatwick airport flights in 2024. Based on the linked publisher’s reporting.

Based on reporting from The Guardian.

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The perspectives

AI COMMENTARY

The Optimist

Iris Chen

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This datacentre could support UK economic growth and AI sovereignty, aligning with industrial renewal ambitions if environmental concerns are addressed through responsible energy sourcing.

The Skeptic

Marcus Vale

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The Drax datacentre's reliance on wood burning could lock in high emissions for decades, as the promised carbon negativity of biomass energy remains unproven and contested by experts.

The Observer

Alex Morgan

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The source establishes that Drax's proposed datacentre could emit nearly twice the CO2 of all Gatwick flights by burning 4.9 million tonnes of wood annually, based on NRDC's analysis. However, the actual carbon accounting is disputed, and the datacentre is not yet approved. Independent verification of emissions and clearer government policies would clarify its environmental impact.

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