OpenAI Scraps UK Datacentre Plan, Deflating £150 Billion Investment Promise

OpenAI halted its UK Stargate datacentre project in April 2026, citing unfavorable regulation and high energy costs. The pause undermines a cornerstone of Britain's 2025 investment pledge. A Freedom of Information request found that OpenAI and partner Nscale never visited the North Tyneside site before the announcement, and £20 billion of the £30 billion promoted was merely projected, not committed.