The Policy & Finance Committee of the States of Alderney has reviewed a feasibility study into the potential for a data centre on the island and has agreed to proceed to the next stage by inviting expressions of interest from potential developers.
This step does not commit the States of Alderney to any future development.
The feasibility study, undertaken by an independent company selected by States of Guernsey Procurement with extensive experience in sustainability, considered whether a data centre could realistically operate on Alderney. The study concluded that, in principle, such a project could be feasible.
The report noted that the global data centre sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for cloud computing, digital services, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Potential benefits identified in the study include the opportunity to generate a steady and substantial income through leases and royalties. This could significantly exceed Alderney’s current annual revenues from sources such as property tax (APT) and document duty. Additionally, associated energy infrastructure could help reduce household energy costs, support investment in community infrastructure, and create a range of employment opportunities.
The Committee has been clear that any future proposal must be in the best interests of Alderney and must not adversely impact the island’s environment, heritage, or community. There is no commitment to proceed with any development unless it is demonstrated to be appropriate and beneficial for the island.
Any proposal brought forward through the expressions of interest process would be subject to several further stages of scrutiny, requiring a planning application to include a full Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statement. This will involve several rounds of public consultation ahead of any public planning meeting.
No sites are currently being proposed. It will be for any potential developer to identify suitable locations, energy solutions and cooling systems, and to demonstrate how potential impacts would be appropriately mitigated.
External technical expertise will support the expressions of interest process to ensure that Alderney’s interests are protected and that any proposals are robustly assessed. The Committee recognises that islanders will have questions about the potential risks, impacts and benefits of a project of this nature. However, as no specific proposals have been received at this stage, it is not possible to comment on detailed scenarios. Further information will be shared as the process progresses.
Jeannie Cameron, Chair of Alderney Policy & Finance Committee said: “The feasibility study opens by saying: ‘A data centre is feasible and economically transformational for Alderney’. We therefore have a fiduciary duty to consider it and to move to the next step to see what interest there is from the private sector, and to consult with the public when any proposals are received.”
