Latest news with #Ravenscraig

Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland's AI transformation is opening up new job opportunities to thousands of workers
The recent announcement that Ravenscraig could soon be home to one of the UK's largest green AI data centres has raised eyebrows, but it represents a transformative step towards Scotland becoming a major artificial intelligence hub. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A renewable energy developer has earmarked Ravenscraig's former steelworks to become a data centre with battery energy storage in a £3.9 billion proposal. The proposal would create around 2,400 jobs, with 1,044 becoming permanent North Lanarkshire jobs and 440 set to be on-site roles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Should the plans come to fruition, the centre is expected to contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland's annual GDP, according to an independent socio-economic study. However, the wider implications of Scotland becoming a major player in AI innovation could bring far-reaching benefits across a vast range of sectors. Jobs Building Scotland's AI Infrastructure Raventcraig's proposed AI data centre has been put forward by renewable energy developer Apatura as part of the UK government's AI Growth Zone initiative, which intends to identify Britain's best sites to accommodate artificial intelligence infrastructure. The United Kingdom's AI Growth Zones would be distributed nationwide, with Scotland's post-industrial towns and costal areas set to benefit from embracing the technology. The proposals are set to form the foundations for the UK's AI infrastructure, and the sector has already attracted £25 billion in investment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland's prominent position among AI Growth Zone proposals reflect the positive outlook that Scottish businesses have already adopted when it comes to artificial intelligence. According to a recent survey published by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland, some 84% of Scottish cross-sector leaders have claimed that they're already utilising artificial intelligence within their organisations across functions like administrative tasks, research, marketing, and data analytics. These insights position Scotland as a receptive location for building a nationwide AI infrastructure, and the technology could form a transformative economic catalyst for growth over the years ahead. Nurturing AI Talent Artificial intelligence is also inspiring new initiatives to upskill Scottish talent to work alongside the emerging technology. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Statistics show that AI is driving 37% of business leaders to upskill their employees in the coming two to three years, and this widespread push towards training workers can pave the way for a freshly skilled workforce to take on the thousands of new roles artificial intelligence is expected to create in Scotland and beyond. We're already seeing initiatives emerge to support Scottish AI innovation, and the recent launch of AI Discovery, an initiative delivered by CodeBase via its Techscaler startup support network, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and NHS Scotland, represents a significant step in nurturing talented postgraduates specialising in healthcare. AI Discovery was developed to improve the commercialisation of academic research and support scalable innovation in healthcare. The initiative maintains a focus on Scotland's postgraduate talent pool to turn today's innovators into tomorrow's AI founders to provide a technologically driven boost to the National Health Service. This commitment to not only supporting an artificial intelligence infrastructure in Scotland but also upskilling some of its most talented tech graduates is an indication of a growing AI ecosystem that can help to open further job opportunities at a significant pace over the years ahead. Sustainable Adoption Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish thought leaders have positioned themselves at the forefront of sustainable AI usage in UK workplaces. Richard Susskind OBE, professor at the University of Strathclyde, is one of the United Kingdom's most prominent AI advisors to both professional firms and governments alike and has been outspoken in his warnings over the implementation of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. Susskind has suggested that the disruptive power of AI could pose an existential threat to mankind if decisive action isn't taken to control its emergence. In terms of AI's disruptive presence in the job market, Scottish business leaders have also been mindful of the impact of artificial intelligence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ed Vickers, co-founder of Edinburgh-based marketing firm LOOP Agencies, has suggested that employee concerns over AI have shifted from fears of being made redundant by the technology to being replaced by workers who are trained in artificial intelligence. In maintaining a strong understanding of the dangers of AI, Scotland can excel in the sustainable development of artificial intelligence in a way that wouldn't heavily impact existing job roles. With fears already emerging over how UK entry-level jobs are diminishing in the wake of ChatGPT's launch, the sustainable adoption of AI will take centre stage in the years to come. Unlocking the Potential of AI The news that Ravenscraig could soon host one of the UK's largest green AI data centres is a welcome sign that Scotland can thrive in the age of artificial intelligence while generating thousands of new jobs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With evidence that businesses are already preparing for the transformative potential of AI, Scotland is showing that it can become a prosperous hub for the sustainable implementation of the technology.


Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
£3.9bn green AI data centre planned for Ravenscraig
The development by renewable energy company Apatura is slated for the former steel mill site which is estimated to cost £3.9 billion. The AI data centre will be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. (Image: Supplied) The project, which is part of Ravenscraig's regeneration after the steelworks closed in 1992, is expected to bring thousands of new jobs and billions in investment to the area. The centre will use renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Read more: Man dies after police rush to Glasgow property amid incident Two Cumbernauld organisations receive share of £10k community fund Apatura is working with site owners Ravenscraig Ltd and North Lanarkshire Council to advance the proposal. Giles Hanglin, chief executive officer of Apatura, 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. "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." (Image: Supplied) The Ravenscraig data centre is set to contribute an additional 0.4 per cent to Scotland's annual GDP once operational. 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. "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." In addition to Ravenscraig, Apatura has four more AI-ready sites across Scotland's central belt, amassing a total grid connection of over 1.6GW.


The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Sign of the times as Scottish former steelworks to become AI data centre
Plans have been unveiled to transform a former steelworks into one of the UK's largest sustainable AI data centres, with the developer saying it will create thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment. The proposals would see a data centre and battery energy storage centre built on the site of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell, which closed in 1992. Renewable energy developer Apatura, which is behind the plans, said the centre would 'harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables' – including 'constrained' – or surplus – wind and solar energy that would otherwise go to waste. Once it is up and running, Apatura said the £3.9 billion centre will support 2,399 long-term jobs and contribute an additional 0.4 per cent to Scotland's annual GDP. The developer added that the construction phase alone would deliver a one-off £1.2 billion boost to the economy and support '16,000 job years' across Scotland. Apatura has also put the site forward as a candidate in the UK Government's AI Growth Zone initiative, which aims to support AI-enabled data centres by improving access to power and providing planning assistance. '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," said Apatura's chief executive, Giles Hanglin. '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.' The proposed project is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is development across Scotland's central belt, backed, the company said, by more than 1.6 gigawatts of 'confirmed' grid connections. The developer added that, by making use of surplus renewable energy, the sites would play a 'vital role' in reducing constrained energy payments, which are paid to energy suppliers to reduce output when it exceeds grid capacity. Apature said constrained energy payments cost £1 billion last year and are forecast to rise to £3 billion by 2030. 'This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities," said Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig. 'With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig master plan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs. 'This multibillion 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.' Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash described the plans as 'the kind of joined-up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs'. '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,' she said. '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
6 days ago
- 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


BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Ravenscraig site could become green AI data centre in £3bn plan
Ravenscraig could be turned into one of the UK's biggest green AI data centres, under new plans put forward by a renewable energy former steelworks would become a data centre with battery energy storage, using a "supply of renewables".Developer Apatura say the £3.9bn proposal would create around 2400 jobs, of which 1044 would be permanent North Lanarkshire jobs, with 440 considered onsite independent socio-economic study calculated the centre would contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland's annual GDP once in use. The plan is currently being considered by the UK government for support via its AI Growth Zone initiative, aimed at identifying the best sites in Britain for AI CEO Giles Hanglin said the company hoped to confirm Scotland as "a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure" with benefits at national and local 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." The estimated jobs total of 2399 combines direct, indirect, and induced believe the plan - being developed with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd - could help reduce grid congestion and cut consumer forms part of the local authority's masterplan for the site, which aimed to bring housing, schools and businesses to the that initiative ran into controversy in 2021 when families living in new homes furiously objected to plans to use the land for a major industrial site instead of previously proposed shops. During the coronavirus pandemic the site was transformed into a mass vaccine centre that lasted throughout the height of the data centre would take over the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight. Russell Wilkie, the 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."Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites the developer is progressing across Scotland's central belt.