Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many data-centre developments have applied for a connection to the gas network; what generating capacity is proposed in connection with those applications; and what assessment the Department has made of the potential effect of privately operated gas-fired generation at data centres on the delivery of the carbon budgets and the Clean Power 2030 target.

According to figures published by Future Energy Networks on 14th April 2026, gas networks received a total of 113 enquiries concerning data centre gas connections between 2024 and 2025.

Our analysis suggests there are a number of credible pathways to meeting Carbon Budgets, and we will continue to test a range of data centre growth trajectories to ensure we meet these as we form our next Carbon Budget Delivery Plan. We will also continue monitoring emerging demand, to inform where further mitigation or system adjustments may be required.