The AI infrastructure boom is hurtling forward with missionary zeal—vast data centres, eye-watering capital commitments, and grand visions of transformation. But if the energy transition taught us anything, it's that enthusiasm doesn’t guarantee success. Returns in renewables over the last decade were often underwhelming.

The same risks now shadow AI: huge pipelines, rising costs, local resistance, and ballooning energy demands. To match even a modest return, AI infrastructure must generate $650 billion in annual revenue through 2030—an ambition that strains credibility. Already, in the U.S., new data centres are driving up electricity prices and stoking political pushback. NIMBYism is gaining ground, while projects worth nearly $100 billion have been blocked. And all this before we reckon with the climate consequences of AI’s vast power appetite.

The parallel with clean energy is not just instructive—it’s urgent. Bragawatts don’t build grids. Ideology doesn’t pay dividends. What matters now is rigorous economic scrutiny, energy realism, and local political consent. Britain’s best chance? Lead with responsibility. Balance innovation with infrastructure. And above all, avoid building a future we can’t afford—or power.

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