Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution: What the public really think about data centre development

Alpaca Communications has today (23 September 2025), launched our new report Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution: What the public really think about data centre development.

The report, which is supported by tech UK with data collected by YouGov, reveals a striking gap between how much the UK will have to rely on data centres to power the AI revolution, and how little the public understands them.

You can download and read the full report here.

The key findings of the report:

  • 75% of people support data centres powered by renewable energy, compared with 40% for nuclear and just 20% for fossil fuels.

  • Only 8% of the public say they “know a lot” about data centres, while 27% have never heard of them at all.

  • 52% support more data centres nationally, but support falls to 44% locally, showing a soft form of NIMBYism.

  • The public’s top priorities: environmental impact, cybersecurity, and cost.

Our recommendations:

  • Build and own the narrative: explain what data centres do in clear, relatable terms.

  • Lead with renewables: green power isn’t optional, it’s expected.

  • Make it local: show how projects deliver jobs, inclusion, and community value.

  • Engage early and openly: involve people in the conversation before plans are set.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Jimmy Coles, at jimmy.coles@alpacacommunications.com

Join us for our Parliamentary Reception - 15 January 2026, 18:00 - 20:00

Join us to explore fresh insight into UK public attitudes toward data centre development at our Parliamentary reception. These events will be an opportunity for industry stakeholders and representatives to join us to examine further the reports findings and recommendations, as well as the important of good public engagement.

Event details

  • Date and Time: 15th January 2026, 18:00-20:00

  • Location: House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA

  • Room: Dining Room B

Join us to explore fresh insight into UK public attitudes toward data centre development at our Parliamentary reception. These events will be an opportunity for industry stakeholders and representatives to join us to examine further the reports findings and recommendations, as well as the important of good public engagement.

To sign up for the reception, please fill out the form below.