The changing geography of data centres in the UK

The continuing growth of digital technology has been accompanied by an explosion in digital data generation. This data is processed, stored, managed and exchanged in data centres, which have become the driving hub of the economy and in some ways of society. This article outlines the origins and characteristics of data centres and offers an exploratory discussion of their locational dynamics and their changing geography within the UK. The findings reveal that while data centres were initially concentrated in London, a range of new urban, suburban and remote rural locations are becoming increasingly important. That said, while the geography of data centres may be changing the need to design ever more sustainable centres, which increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, seems likely to remain constant.