Renewable energy firm Apatura has unveiled a plan to transform part of the former Ravenscraig steelworks into what could become one of the UK’s largest green AI data centres – bringing thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment.
The ambitious proposal has been put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer with plans to develop a major data centre with battery energy storage on 160 acres at the post-industrial site located less than 20km east of Glasgow.
It would be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030.
Apatura is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd to advance the proposal.
“Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites Apatura is progressing across Scotland’s central belt, backed by over 1.6GW of confirmed grid connections, making them one of only a few UK developers ready to deliver AI infrastructure at this scale,” said Apatura.
“The Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland’s growing supply of renewables – using constrained wind and solar generation that’s often wasted on windy, sunny days – helping to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK.
“Once home to the Ravenscraig Steelworks, which closed in 1992, the site is now one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site.
“This latest proposal is a potent symbol of Ravenscraig’s regeneration, with development earmarked for the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and the remaining vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight.
“Strategically positioned within the Ravenscraig masterplan and with direct access to both the M74 and M8 motorways, SevenFourEight is a key industrial and business centre in Scotland’s central belt.”
Apatura said the development could be transformational for the area and the Scottish economy more broadly. It is estimated the project will cost £3.9 billion to build.
Apatura said the Ravenscraig data centre would contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland’s annual GDP once operational, and construction activity would deliver a one-off £1.2 billion GVA (gross value added) boost.
The firm estimates ongoing annual GVA contribution of £729 million, supporting 2,399 long-term jobs (direct, indirect, and induced).
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.”
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.
“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.”