TECH & AI
TThe UK’ s ambition to become an AI superpower is well established. But ambition, as John McGee argues, is only half the equation. As Group CEO of Durata, a data centre business with its UK base in the North East of England and an active international footprint, John believes the country’ s path to AI leadership runs directly through physical infrastructure: power, planning and industrial delivery.
In this exclusive Q & A with Data Centre Magazine, John says the UK already possesses the engineering capability and technical expertise to compete at a global level.
What it lacks is the coordinated, fastmoving environment needed to put that capability to work at scale. The question, he says, is not whether the UK can do it. It is whether it will move quickly enough.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERISE THE UK’ S CURRENT POSITION IN THE AI INFRASTRUCTURE RACE?
» There is no shortage of political enthusiasm when it comes to artificial intelligence. Ministers talk about the UK becoming an AI superpower, attracting investment, leading innovation and unlocking productivity across the economy. It is an ambition that reflects where the world is heading.
But becoming a leader in AI is not just a technology challenge. It is an infrastructure challenge. Much of the conversation still treats AI as though it exists primarily in the digital realm, as if leadership will be secured through software and talent alone.
“IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT BECOMING AN AI SUPERPOWER, WE NEED TO MATCH AMBITION WITH EXECUTION”
John McGee Group CEO Durata
In reality, AI is built on physical systems. It depends on data centres, resilient power, advanced cooling and the ability to deliver complex projects at speed. Without that foundation, ambition alone will not carry us very far.
In addition to carbon reduction, we are focused on reducing methane emissions by 75 %, as methane has 25 times higher global warming potential than CO2. ABB’ s process automation business offers solutions such as methane leakage detection equipment to help achieve this goal. Similarly, all new heavy industry equipment investments must be net zero capable, highlighting the urgency of ensuring that long-lifespan assets contribute to sustainability.
52 July 2026