// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Data centre developers may build 'climate-wrecking' gas power plant next door
The proposed site for the development is surrounded by greenery on one side, and flanked by the A48 on the other
The developer of a proposed data centre in Cardiff has said it is also seeking permission to build a gas power plant to get it up and running.
Developer Curtis Hall said the plant, which could operate for up to five years, may be needed if the site cannot get on the national grid quick enough.
It also said the gas turbine plan was a "worst-case scenario", and the project - planned for the site of an existing park and ride near Llanrumney - would bring significant benefits.
Friends of the Earth called it "climate-wrecking" infrastructure, and almost all the area's Members of the Senedd (MSs), and a Welsh government minister, have now formally objected to the plans to build the data centre.
A senior Labour councillor from Cardiff council - which has an agreement to sell the site to the developer - had also objected.
The proposed data centre at the Cardiff East Park and Ride near Llanrumney has prompted significant local concerns
The Welsh government is considering whether it will take over the planning process for the facility - meaning Cardiff Council is unable to grant planning permission in the meantime.
The government is also planning to publish its own policy on the wider issue by the end of the year.
Interest in building data centres has increased with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies - but they have been controversial worldwide, in part for the amount of electricity they require.