Microsoft exits Essex AI datacentre over power
The gist
Microsoft withdrew as anchor tenant from Nscale's planned AI datacentre in Loughton, Essex, over power supply concerns.
The pullout hits Nscale's flagship UK site ahead of a potential $3 billion IPO.
How it unfolded
- 2025Nscale's Loughton, Essex AI datacentre project was announced, and Keir Starmer's government described it as the country's largest sovereign AI data centre.
- Mar 2026The Guardian reported that a scaffolding yard was still operating at the planned site.
- Sep 2026Reports said the facility could face a lengthy wait before operations begin due to electricity delays.