Pete Aston interviewed by Datacentre Solutions Magazine

With thanks to Datcentre Solutions for allowing us to share this film.

In this interview with Phil Alsop of Datacentre Solutions Magazine, Pete Aston examines the complex grid connection landscape confronting Britain’s data centre sector. The discussion opens with findings from Roadnight Taylor’s recent report revealing that most data center developers significantly underestimate connection timescales. The discussion examines how queue congestion from competing energy projects is creating delays stretching to 2037 and beyond, and the regulatory barriers slowing hyperscale developments.

Pete shares insights on cost increases for essential infrastructure, the potential for behind-the-meter generation to provide resilience, and the critical need for collaboration between industry and government to determine what capacity Britain genuinely requires. With over 100 gigawatts of demand projects in the pipeline and roughly two-thirds being data centers, the conversation considers whether strategic filtering similar to the Clean Power 2030 approach might be necessary.

The discussion concludes with measured optimism that sufficient grid capacity exists or can be developed for the data centers Britain needs, provided the right coordination happens between stakeholders to align on where developments should occur and which projects represent the most viable path forward.

You can request our ‘Powering Great Britain’s Data Centre Ambitions‘ report below.