‘People are standing up and fighting back’: the north Devon revolt against a vast AI datacentre

THE NEWS

What happened

A massive revolt is emerging in North Devon, UK, against Xlinks' planned 1.5GW AI datacentre and 1.8GW battery storage facility within a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Local activists, inspired by US campaigns like Erin Brockovich's, have uncovered secret government deals and demand transparency regarding water usage, environmental impact, and the industrialization of protected farmland.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

The AI boom hits the rolling hills of North Devon. Residents are fighting back against Xlinks' proposed 1.5GW datacentre in a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Activists uncovered secret government approvals and demand transparency on water usage and environmental impact. Join the movement: #NorthDevonRevolt

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• Xlinks plans a 1.5GW AI datacentre and 1.8GW battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Devon.
• The project covers approximately 344 hectares (850 acres) of land within a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
• Freedom of Information requests revealed closed discussions between the council and developers since March 2025.
• Campaigners cite concerns over water consumption, toxic PFAS runoff, air pollution, and noise in a protected landscape.
• Over 30,000 people have signed a petition calling for a pause on datacentres outside designated AI growth zones.
• The project claims to create 600-1,200 jobs but faces intense local opposition regarding environmental destruction.