Drax Signs AI Data Center Partnership for North Yorkshire Power Site

The partnership aims to develop, implement, and operate the data center’s capacity on the Drax power site in North Yorkshire, with a target of over 1GW in three phases. The first phase will have a computing capacity of up to 100MW and is expected to start commercial operation in the first quarter of 2028. It will utilize the existing infrastructure to directly draw electricity from the grid, with Drax managing the supply.

The second phase will change the energy supply model, with a target to add 500MW capacity between 2028 and 2031. The existing Drax production will provide direct electricity to the data center throughout the day, based on a long-term electricity purchase agreement. This arrangement behind the meter will be subject to required approvals.

The third phase will provide additional capacity after 2031, with the same approach. The phased structure separates the initial development, connected to the grid, from the later direct energy supply model. It also makes the existing production of the site a key element of the proposed expansion, rather than treating the project solely as a data center built next to a power plant.