Cardiff data centre weighs gas power as grid connection could wait until 2034

A proposed Cardiff data centre could run on gas while waiting for its full electricity grid connection, which may not be available until between 2030 and 2034.

Developer Curtis Hall is considering a temporary power plant capable of generating up to 49.9MW, ET Datacenters reported on Thursday 22 October 2026. The proposal would allow gas turbines to run continuously from July 2028 until around July 2033.

The grid delay concerns the development’s full 150MW capacity. The temporary gas plant would provide less than a third of that amount.

Why the 49.9MW limit matters

The proposed generating capacity sits just below the 50MW threshold for Wales’ Significant Infrastructure Projects consenting regime. Larger power stations covered by that regime require approval from Welsh ministers.

Cardiff is not alone in considering gas to overcome electricity connection delays. A separate proposed 72MW data centre near Reading plans to use 49.9MW of natural gas fuel cells during its initial development. Grid reinforcement for that project’s 60MVA connection is not expected until 2037.

For Curtis Hall’s Cardiff proposal, July 2028 is the potential start date for temporary generation, ahead of the anticipated window for full grid capacity.

Source: ET Datacenters