Wire · technology
Microsoft pulls out of UK's largest AI data centre
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Fusion42 · 18 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
Microsoft has pulled out of funding the supercomputer at the UK's largest planned AI data centre in Loughton, Essex, causing delays in power supply until the 2030s. Despite this, Nscale remains committed to the project and is seeking alternative power solutions while maintaining a strong partnership with Microsoft on other international projects.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of AI Infrastructure, and 7 sources have reported it between 18 Oct 2026 and 19 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
The biggest AI data centre in the UK faces major delays due to grid power issues and losing Microsoft's supercomputer funding. You in UK AI infrastructure need to explore alternative power or partnerships fast, as new opportunities emerge to fill gaps left by Microsoft.
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7 sources · first reported 18 Oct 2026 · latest 19 Oct 2026
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