New plans have been unveiled to convert a former North Lanarkshire steelworks into what could become the UK’s largest green AI data centre.

Once one of the biggest hot strip steel mills in Europe, the Ravenscraig steelworks closed in 1992, but now Edinburgh-based renewable energy developer Apatura has submitted ambitious proposals to develop a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres at the post-industrial site.

The development, just 12 miles east of Glasgow, will be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030, with Apatura estimating the project will cost £3.9 billion to build, but could bring in an extra £729 million in GVA each year for the region and support around 2,400 long-term jobs.

Claiming that the Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland’s growing supply of renewables for power, Apatura said the new site could help to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland’s renewable power capabilities,” said Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig development.

“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.

“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.”

Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland’s central belt, backed by over 1.6GW of confirmed grid connections, with the firm putting the Ravenscraig site forward as a candidate for the UK Government’s AI Growth Zone initiative. 

Though that bid remains under review, the Ravenscraig development has already secured significant support from North Lanarkshire Council, including a new £74 million access road, based on the regional benefits it could bring.

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“This is the kind of joined-up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs,” said Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke.

“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.” 

According to Aptura, new data centres can contribute millions annually in business rates as well as over £1 billion in indirect economic benefits, with UK data centres having already generated more than £4.6 billion in revenue, but last October, the company claimed that Scotland presented an ‘untapped opportunity’ for growth.