Story perspectives

Analysis: Proposed UK datacenters could out-emit ExxonMobil

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Analysis on 25 August says two planned UK datacentres would emit more carbon than ExxonMobil.
A proposed Havering hyperscale datacentre could emit 1-million tonnes of CO2.
The analysis recommends solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and scrubbers on roofs and car parks.
Research shows UK resident sending one fewer thank-you email daily could cut 16,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The authors propose a government charge on digital communications to deter junk.

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Story summary

Analysis on 25 August says two planned UK datacentres would emit more carbon than ExxonMobil.
A proposed Havering hyperscale datacentre could emit 1-million tonnes of CO2.
The analysis recommends solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and scrubbers on roofs and car parks.
Research shows UK resident sending one fewer thank-you email daily could cut 16,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The authors propose a government charge on digital communications to deter junk.