Devon Data Campus

The Devon Data Campus, proposed by Xlinks, is a significant development planned for North Devon, UK, near Great Torrington. It comprises two distinct but co-located projects: Valeon, a 1.5GW AI data center designed to provide substantial computing power, and a 1.8GW transmission-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) to support the grid. The campus aims to drive digital growth in the UK, create high-quality jobs, and attract AI-related companies. The location in North Devon is chosen for its mild climate, access to renewable energy sources, and a reliable National Grid connection at Alverdiscott substation. The project emphasizes sustainability, with plans for visual screening, biodiversity net gain, and water attenuation. Xlinks is engaging in public consultation from July 14 to August 11, 2026, to gather community feedback on the proposals, which are being submitted as separate planning applications to Torridge District Council. The development is projected to contribute up to £3.6 billion annually to the economy, creating between 650-1,200 permanent jobs and 2,000-3,500 construction jobs, with potential for up to 29,000 indirect jobs.