One of the biggest AI data centers in Europe will be built close to the M25, with a £3.75 billion project approved by Hertsmere Borough Council.

Following the release of the UK's action plan, plans for the construction of Europe's largest cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) center in Hertfordshire, close to the M25, have been authorized. The state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to cost £3.75 billion to build, will be situated 30 minutes from central London, close to the Elstree substation. It will cover up to two million square feet.

Only a week after the government unveiled its AI opportunities action plan, the Hertsmere borough council gave its consent on Thursday night. In line with Starmer's goals for a strong AI infrastructure in the UK, the recently authorized center will be crucial in meeting the rising demand for cloud capacity and AI technology.

In order to attain a 10% net biodiversity gain, the project is also dedicated to keeping 54% of its 85 hectares as green space.

The location, which is now agricultural land, has been deemed eligible for development despite being within the green belt because of its low contribution to green belt purposes. When finished, it would rank among the biggest data centers in Europe and might be used by big IT companies like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google.