CoreWeave, the New York-based AI hyperscaler, has officially launched two data centers in Crawley and London Docklands, marking its first operational footprint in the United Kingdom. This is part of the company's commitment to advancing AI infrastructure in Europe, backed by a £1 billion investment in the UK last year.
Key Points:
- The Crawley data center became operational in October 2024, while the London Docklands site followed in December 2024.
- Both centers house significant deployments of NVIDIA H200 GPUs, leveraging cutting-edge technology to power AI workloads.
- Consistent with CoreWeave’s sustainability goals, both data centers operate entirely on renewable energy.
- This launch is part of CoreWeave’s broader European expansion, which includes plans for 10 new data centers across the region by 2025.
CoreWeave's journey from crypto mining to AI computing infrastructure mirrors the tech industry's swift pivot toward artificial intelligence. The company, valued at $19 billion, has transformed into a specialized AI cloud provider that's now bringing its expertise to British shores.
Chris McKay
The timing is strategic. The UK government is rolling out its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which includes expedited approvals for data center construction. This synchronization of private investment and public policy could accelerate Britain's AI capabilities.
"The UK market choice was an easy decision," says Mike Mattacola, CoreWeave's Chief Business Officer. The company isn't just dipping its toes in British waters – it has established its European headquarters in London and pledged an additional £750 million investment into the UK economy.
CoreWeave's Crawley facility, which began operations in October 2024 in partnership with Digital Realty, was the first to go live. The London Docklands location, operated with Global Switch, followed in December. Both facilities leverage NVIDIA's H200 GPUs, positioning CoreWeave as an early adopter of the latest AI acceleration technology.
The company's approach differs from traditional cloud providers. While established players often retrofit existing infrastructure for AI workloads, CoreWeave builds its systems specifically for AI applications.
By the end of 2024, CoreWeave had established 28 data centers globally. The company's expansion plans include 10 new facilities in 2025, with three targeted for European locations including Norway, Sweden, and Spain.
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, views this development as more than just another tech investment. "This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's digital technology sector," she says, connecting it to broader economic goals.
For British businesses exploring AI adoption, CoreWeave's arrival introduces new options for accessing high-performance computing resources. The company's renewable energy commitment also aligns with growing pressure on tech companies to minimize their environmental impact.
The UK expansion comes as European competitors like France's FlexAI and Finland's DataCrunch are also vying for position in the AI infrastructure market. This competition could benefit European enterprises by providing more choices for their AI computing needs.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, access to specialized computing infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. CoreWeave's UK presence could help position Britain as a key player in Europe's AI landscape, providing the computational foundation needed for future innovation.