Data centers in the UK have been designated critical national infrastructure (CNI), a move the government says will give operators access to more support in the event of an emergency.
It is the first new CNI designation since 2015, when the space and defense sectors were added, and means data centers now have the same status as utility companies and emergency services systems.
What CNI designation means for UK data centers
Ministers said that putting data centers on an equal footing as water, energy, and emergency services systems will mean the sector can now expect greater government support when recovering from and anticipating critical incidents.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Data centers are the engines of modern life, they power the digital economy and keep our most personal information safe.
“Bringing data centers into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events.”
The new designation will see a dedicated CNI data infrastructure team set up, comprised of senior government officials who will monitor and anticipate potential threats, provide prioritized access to security agencies including the National Cyber Security Centre, and coordinate access to emergency services should an incident occur.
Bruce Owen, UK managing director of colo provider Equinix, said: "We welcome today’s announcement by the government which recognizes the critical nature of data centers and digital infrastructure to the economy and society.
"The Internet, and the digital infrastructure that underpins it, has rapidly grown to be as fundamental to each one of our daily lives as water, gas, and electricity, and is now a service that people and the UK economy can no longer live without.”
New 320MW campus plan confirmed for Hertfordshire
The UK’s new Labour government has signaled its intention to welcome more data centers to Britain as it looks to grow the nation’s economy. Ministers are consulting on changes to planning laws that could make it easier to build data centers in the UK. The government has also pledged to reopen two planning applications for hyperscale campuses which had been blocked by local authorities.
The CNI announcement came on the same day it was confirmed that a 320MW campus is being planned for Hertfordshire.
As DCD reported earlier this week, new company DC01UK wants to develop 85 acres of land to the East of the South Mimms Services, north of Barnet and east of Watford.
It is expected the data center campus will cost £3.75 billion to build, supporting 500 construction jobs and 200 permanent roles. DC01UK hopes it will be up and running by 2029.
The scheme has the backing of Hertsmere Borough Council. Cllr Jeremy Newmark, the council's leader, said: "The project is aligned with the council’s vision. It will be a major boost for our economic development, creative, and climate change strategies.
"The prospective economic benefits are clear. A scheme like this will deliver significant growth for the area. It will create many new jobs, both during and after construction, and new businesses."
Technology Secretary Kyle said: “The huge £3.75bn private investment announced today in Hertfordshire is a vote of confidence in those plans and a clear example of my determination to ensure technological advancements are helping to grow our economy and create wealth across the country.”
