Microsoft has pulled out of a planned data‑centre partnership with UK cloud
startup Nscale at Laindon, Essex, removing its role as the project’s intended
anchor tenant. Microsoft gave no reason; the project has suffered repeated
delays and local authorities have told Nscale grid power may not be available
until the 2030s. Nscale’s Norway flagship is about six months behind schedule
and running 6.4 MW of an expected 30 MW capacity. Nscale’s IPO filing shows
roughly 85% of contracts depend on Microsoft and ANTHROPIC. The company is
seeking up to $3 bln in an IPO that could proceed as soon as this month.