A statement from Xlinks
If you have questions, concerns or comments, please bring them to us directly at valeon@devondatacampus.com or battery@devondatacampus.com.
In recent days, some individual members of the public have been named on social media. We do not condone the naming or targeting of any individual in connection with this project.
Please keep engagement calm and respectful.
Richard Hardy, Xlinks Project Director
IntroducingDevon data campus
Xlinks is proposing a new AI data campus on land between Great Torrington, Huntshaw and Weare Giffard — providing the AI computing power to help Devon lead digital growth in the UK, while creating new, high-quality jobs.
What is being proposed
The Devon data campus would bring together AI computing, supporting energy infrastructure and new community amenities at a single location near Alverdiscott in North Devon. The site is made up of land from several local landowners.
Valeon
An AI data centre campus and the core of the Devon data campus vision.
Battery storage
A transmission-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) that helps balance the local network and grid.
Local amenities
Space for new local amenities, to be shaped with the community through consultation.
Where the campus would sit
- Data centre campus
- Public open space and landscaping
- Potential community facilities
- Battery storage
The core of the Devon data campus vision
Valeon would provide 1.5GW of AI-optimised compute capacity — the “brains” behind the AI models that increasingly power everyday digital life.
Most of us interact with data centres hundreds of times a day, from sending an email to making a bank transaction or streaming TV. The Government treats data centres as a Critical National Priority, on a par with airports and power stations, because they underpin essential services such as the NHS and financial systems — and help keep UK data managed within the UK.
Why this location works
Cooling
North Devon’s mild year-round temperatures, winds and sun mean the site uses less energy and water than many other locations.
Energy
Close to planned renewable generation, including offshore wind, and supported by a robust connection to the National Grid.
Grid connection
Spare, highly reliable capacity at Alverdiscott substation — important for a facility that runs 24 hours a day.
Screening
Set away from homes, where existing trees, hills and valleys help screen development from view.
Local benefits
The campus would directly create long-term, high-quality roles, and its computing power has the potential to attract well-known AI-related companies — bringing further jobs and investment to the area.
We are exploring partnerships with the University of Exeter, the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group and local training providers, so local people are first in line for these roles and a new career pathway opens into a sector usually based in larger cities.
A dedicated community benefit package would be shaped by the community itself, alongside new on- and off-campus amenities — which could include public open space, a fitness centre, an electric bus depot or a business hub.
Battery storage (BESS)
A transmission-scale battery energy storage system that supports the data centre and the wider grid — storing renewable energy on sunny and windy days when it can’t all be used, and returning it when it’s needed.
Tried and tested
The system would use lithium-ion batteries — the same well-established technology found in everyday devices such as smartphones.
Safe by design
It would be designed to avoid impacts on neighbours, with in-built fire safety systems developed in consultation with the local Fire and Rescue Service.
A connected energy network
The data centre and battery storage would both connect to the National Grid at Alverdiscott substation, and to each other through a private energy network using underground cables. This helps ensure consistent power for the data centre if the grid is ever temporarily disrupted.
More detail on potential cable routes will be shared during the consultation.
Sustainable by design
Once built, data centres and battery storage facilities are quiet neighbours, and the choice of site further reduces potential impacts. Environmental assessments carried out during planning will inform mitigation measures built into the proposals.
Take part in the consultation
We are seeking outline planning for the data centre and full planning for the battery storage, with separate applications to Torridge District Council in the new year. We have extended the consultation period to allow more time for engagement, so there is more opportunity than ever for your feedback to help shape the plans before they are submitted.
The Public Information Days previously advertised for 14–17 July will no longer take place on those dates. We are moving them to later in the year, to allow more time to talk with local residents and to avoid the summer holiday period. New dates will be announced once confirmed, with as much notice as possible.
In the meantime, we will be running smaller, informal sessions in the local area to gather feedback and answer questions. You are welcome to share your views with us now, using the details below.