Latest news with #NeilDavidson
STV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Ravenscraig: 160-acre AI-data bank and battery store planned for former steelworks
A large-scale green energy-powered data centre is being proposed for part of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire. Estimated to cost around £3.9bn, the plan comes from renewable energy developer Apatura, which is aiming to build the facility on 160 acres of land in central Scotland, around 20 kilometres east of Glasgow. The development would include a data centre and battery energy storage, supported by 550 megawatts of grid connections expected to come online by 2030. The site is one of five locations Apatura is progressing across Scotland's central belt. Together, the company says these sites have over 1.6 gigawatts of confirmed grid connections, positioning them as some of the few AI-ready developments of this scale in the UK. The Ravenscraig project is designed to make use of surplus renewable energy produced during high wind or solar output, which is often underused due to grid constraints. By redirecting that energy, the facility could help reduce congestion on the grid and lower overall energy system costs. Neil Davidson Green data centre and battery energy storage planned for Ravenscraig Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: 'This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research. 'We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt. 'If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.' Once one of the largest hot strip steel mills in Europe, Ravenscraig closed in 1992 and has since been the focus of ongoing regeneration. The data centre would be located within the existing Ravenscraig masterplan area, including the SevenFourEight business zone east of the Wishaw Deviation freight line. Apatura is working with North Lanarkshire Council and Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the project, and has submitted the site for consideration under the UK Government's AI Growth Zone programme. The bid is currently under review. Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: 'This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. 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. STV News Building works under way at Ravenscraig in February '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.' Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke said: '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. 'This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It's not just about building infrastructure, it's about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.' STV News Ravenscraig undergoing huge reneration An independent study estimates that construction would contribute a one-off £1.2bn boost to gross value added, supporting the equivalent of 16,000 job years across Scotland. Once operational, the data centre is projected to support 2,399 long-term jobs and add £729m in annual GVA. The study also estimates the project would increase Scotland's annual GDP by 0.4%. Grid constraint payments across the UK, made when energy cannot be transmitted from where it is generated to where it is needed, cost almost £1bn last year. That figure is expected to rise to £3bn by 2030. Locating data centres in areas with excess renewable capacity, such as Ravenscraig, could help reduce these costs. The site is accessible via the M74 and M8 motorways and has already benefited from infrastructure investment, including a £74m access road delivered by the local authority. In addition to Ravenscraig, Apatura has identified four other AI-ready development sites in Scotland, with grid capacity totalling more than 1.6GW. The outcome of the AI Growth Zone selection process is expected later this year. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Veteran forward Cyle Larin to captain Canada against Ivory Coast at Canadian Shield
The Canadian men's soccer team trains at BMO Field in Toronto on Monday, June 9, 2025, ahead of their game against Ivory Coast at the Canadian Shield Tournament. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Neil Davidson
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Planning applications submitted in Monmouthshire this week
Llantilio Pertholey Community Council received an application for the removal of existing extensions to Woodsview Cottage. The new proposal from Liz and Neil Davidson includes constructing a two-storey gable extension to the side and rear of the cottage, and a single-storey extension to the side. The rear extension will feature a balcony for the master bedroom. Two new parking spaces are also part of the plan. Laura Borley of LEB Architectural Design has been appointed for the project. The application was registered as valid on May 20. Application to change existing planning permission in Llangovan In Llangovan, an application has been submitted to change existing planning permission for Old Trecastle Farm. Mr and Mrs Ramage are seeking permission to convert the property to include ancillary guest accommodation and a glass house. The farm, located on Trecastle Road, previously received planning permission in 2009. Catherine Roberts of CRSH architecture and energy has been appointed for this project. The application was registered as valid on May 22. Proposed hydrotherapy unit in Llanover In Llanover, Ty Coets Brook Farm has submitted an application for the retention of works to provide a hydrotherapy unit. The application also seeks to retain an extension to an existing barn conversion and extend the curtilage. The application was submitted by Mr Peter Philips and is being handled by Mr Chris Jackson of CJ Projects. The application was registered as valid on May 21. Application to instal metal railing at Usk property In Usk, an application has been submitted for the erection of a two-foot-high, nine-metre-length metal railing on the side of the front property boundary of 2 Adam Close. The application was submitted by Ms Julianne Golding-Sherman and was registered as valid on May 23. Amendments proposed at Tredunnock home In Tredunnock, Nick and Jayne Bellew have submitted an application for a non-material amendment to High Winds. The amendments include an additional gable to the northwest-facing elevation, corner glazing to the northeast and southeast-facing elevations in lieu of a balcony and windows, and an external chimney stack to the northeast-facing elevation. The application was registered as valid on May 20. Proposed outbuilding in Llandogo Elsewhere, in Llandogo, an application has been submitted for a proposed outbuilding and associated works at Orlesbrook. The application was submitted by Mr and Mrs C Miller Olsen and is being handled by Mr David Kirk of HDP Architecture. The application was registered as valid on May 15. Application to convert conservatory into an extension in Caldicot In Caldicot, an application has been submitted to convert an existing conservatory into an extension with a flat roof at 12 Osprey Drive. The application was submitted by Mr Phillip Cox and is being handled by Mr Mark Harry of Maison Design. The application was registered as valid on May 22. Outbuilding plans at Great Penta Barn In Devauden, an application has been submitted for a 1.5-storey outbuilding at Great Panta Barn. The proposed outbuilding, to be built in a steel frame and timber-clad, will provide storage for external equipment, vehicles, bicycles, a workshop, and a utility area on the ground floor. The first floor will house guest rooms and a home office with a balcony. The application was submitted by Mr Alistair Brooke and is being handled by Mr Nigel Patterson of Niblett Architecture Ltd. The application was registered as valid on May 13. Each of these applications will be reviewed by the relevant local authorities, and decisions will be made in due course.
