EPUKI Appoints TechRE to Advise on £50m Data Centre Investment

EP UK Investments (EPUKI) has announced the commissioning of expert research into the development of a major data centre on the site of the Kilroot Power Station. This would form a key component of the Kilroot Energy Park plans which were launched in July 2020.

If taken forward, the development of a data centre at this location is expected to be a significant investment in the region of £50 million by EPUKI.

TechRE, an experienced specialist data centre consultancy, has been appointed to lead a ‘strategic location review’ which will consider the local market and the suitability of the Kilroot site and wider area for the development of a data centre.

Individuals and businesses are producing larger amounts of data than ever before and more data centres are required to help store, distribute and process data from technology being introduced in the home, in the workplace and across all sectors of society.

Alongside the conversion from coal to lower carbon gas generation at Kilroot, a purpose-built modern data centre would represent further significant investment by EPUKI in Northern Ireland, as well as supporting innovation and the digital economy throughout the Mid and East Antrim Borough by allowing data to be stored and processed locally.

Commenting on the announcement EPUKI Commercial Director Ian Luney noted:

“I am delighted to confirm that EPUKI have appointed TechRE to advise us as we look to progress the exciting development of a data centre within the proposed Kilroot Energy Park. Since acquiring the Kilroot Power Station in 2019, EPUKI has been actively considering how we can invest to secure the long-term future of the site and this represents another important step in that process.’’

‘’Overall, the Energy Park has the potential for up to £600m of investment in a range of technologies and electricity generation solutions, including the transition from coal to lower carbon gas powered generation.’’

‘’The development of a data centre at Kilroot will support jobs, drive innovation and further contribute towards the rates base in the borough, helping to deliver local services. It is well known that data centres need to be close to sources of electricity generation, so the Kilroot site is perfectly suited for this use. We will keep in touch with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council throughout the feasibility process and look forward to discussing the findings in due course.’’