C-Zero & Mast Energy Developments form joint venture to power UK AI data centres

Exclusive joint venture targeting 50 MW initially, scaling to 150+ MW as UK AI data centre demand rises to ~8 GW by 2030.

2.5 GW → ~8 GW

AI data centre electricity demand in the UK by 2030

50 MW

Initial target capacity for the joint venture

500 MW

Planned in first confirmed Growth Zone

Exclusive joint venture targeting 50 MW initially, scaling to 150+ MW as UK AI data centre demand rises to ~8 GW by 2030.

Announcement

Data Centres – C-Zero Markets Ltd has signed a heads of terms agreement with Mast Energy Developments plc to form an exclusive joint venture to develop, construct, and operate power supply solutions for the rapidly growing AI data centre sector.

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment. AI data centre electricity demand is projected to rise from approximately 2.5 GW in 2024 to around 8 GW by 2030, with the UK Government committed to scaling public sector AI computing capacity by at least 20-fold over the same period.

UK renewable energy infrastructure supporting AI data centre development

Growth Zones and Capacity Expansion

Designated “Growth Zones” will benefit from streamlined planning processes, with the first zone already confirmed and targeting up to 500 MW of new capacity.

Joint Venture Targets and Strategy

Under the joint venture, C-Zero Markets Ltd and Mast Energy Developments plc will work exclusively to deliver projects aimed at meeting this demand.

  • Short-term goal: develop around 50 MW of AI data centre power supply capacity

  • Medium-term target: scaling to 150+ MW

  • Current pipeline: 25 MW opportunity already under discussion with Mast Energy Developments plc

The joint venture will also seek to attract AI data centre developers to co-locate with its current and future sites, unlocking economies of scale.

Leadership Commentary

Bruce Brown, Director of C-Zero Markets, said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Mast Energy Developments plc on its ventures in constructing AI data centres. With the UK Government putting so much investment into AI technologies, we believe that partnerships are needed to make sure that the acceleration of the UK as a global leader in this field is conducted with sustainability at its forefront.

As a leader in the renewable energy sector, we are excited to work on such a large-scale project with another talented business within this space.”

Pieter Krügel, Mast Energy Developments CEO, commented:

“MED have identified the rapidly growing AI datacentre industry and the associated increased need for power as an ideal opportunity to expand MED’s business model and complement our ultimate strategy to build a portfolio of 300+ MW. We are thrilled to join forces with C-Zero Markets in rolling out our new strategy, as they are an ideal JV partner with their strong connections and a proven track record in the energy industry in the UK and EU.

We are planning to progress this new strategy at some pace and look forward to updating the market with positive developments over the coming weeks.”