Predictions for 2026 - how location data will power the next wave of infrastructure transformation

What do you think will happen in 2026?

Infrastructure demand is set to intensify across the UK. We’re seeing growing momentum around data centres. These facilities are not just digital hubs, they’re utility-hungry super centres that require significant power, water, and connectivity, and that places increasing pressure on energy providers, water companies, and telcos.

The challenge lies in execution. Data centres don’t operate in isolation; they rely on a wider ecosystem of housing, transport, and utilities. This is why trusted and accurate location data will be absolutely critical. Many of these centres are being planned for industrial land near water sources, but questions remain around the suitability of those sites - from the quality and availability of water, to the treatment and recycling requirements, and the environmental impact of repurposing brownfield land. Understanding what the land was previously used for, and what habitats exist there, will be essential.

At the same time, there’s growing focus on new communities and the surrounding infrastructure needed to support them and whether existing roads, substations and sewers can support this type of facility. But building where no infrastructure currently exists raises questions about long-term viability. Water is a finite resource, and while energy can be generated through alternative means, both require robust infrastructure.

We’ll also see increased attention on ageing infrastructure. Many assets - such as electricity pylons - were built decades ago and are now reaching the end of their lifecycle. In 2026, we expect to see a stronger push for cost-effective and efficient maintenance, more proactive asset management, and the upgrading of legacy systems to support digitalisation. Climate adaptation will become a priority, and new data-powered technologies will play a key role in enabling smarter infrastructure decisions.

Alongside technological innovation, 2026 will mark a turning point for regulation. Utilities will operate under more unified and stringent frameworks designed to accelerate decarbonisation and improve resilience. Expect new governance structures, tighter environmental compliance, and mandatory data-sharing standards that make transparency non-negotiable. These changes will not only reshape investment priorities but also demand closer collaboration between regulators, operators, and technology providers to ensure infrastructure planning keeps pace with policy ambitions.

Location data will be critical in meeting these requirements. Geospatial intelligence can identify optimal sites for infrastructure upgrades, map flood risk and support environmental compliance, and ensure assets are accurately recorded for mandatory data-sharing platforms.

What do you think is going to be new in 2026?

A shift toward more localised infrastructure is likely to take off. This includes localised energy generation, retrofitting homes, and empowering local authorities to make data-led decisions for their communities. We may see increased use of OS data to support these efforts, drawing inspiration from European models like Sweden where community-led infrastructure is more embedded.

Electricity line losses are also gaining attention. UK networks roughly 6–8% of electricity transported annually (Statista; UK Parliamentary Energy Report). Research suggests that up to two-thirds of these losses could be mitigated through smarter planning and technology (University of Cambridge). That’s enough energy to power approximately one million homes for a year or deliver a 5% reduction in household bills. That’s a compelling reason to rethink how and where we invest in infrastructure. Some pylons built 50 years ago will be reaching the end of their lifespan and potentially failing, so the question of whether to move electricity cables underground is becoming more urgent. But before we can answer how, we need to answer where - and OS data is key to that.

We also expect to see significant developments in the future energy network. Integrating renewable energy assets into existing systems will be a major focus, alongside managing the growth of decentralised energy and ensuring network resilience and fair pricing. These shifts will require smarter planning, and location data will be central to making them viable, especially when mapping flood risk, terrain stability, and ecological sensitivity.

In this context, data centres present a unique opportunity: location data can help identify areas where waste heat from these facilities could be repurposed to warm nearby homes, supporting government-backed initiatives and help transition towards to circularity in the energy sector for a more sustainable future.

We’re also expecting to see wider adoption of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), helping improve the efficiency and safety of how buried infrastructure is installed, maintained, operated, and repaired. NUAR’s rollout will play a vital role in supporting the government’s ambitions to grow the economy - accelerating projects like new roads and housing - while also enabling a secure, sustainable data-sharing platform built on trusted and accurate information.

What would you personally like to see change in 2026?

I’d like to see infrastructure decisions become truly data-led - not just based on location, but informed by a full understanding of environmental impact, socio-economic benefit, and long-term viability. OS has a critical role in enabling this shift by providing trusted, assured location data that integrates seamlessly with wider datasets. This gives stakeholders reliable insights to decide not only where to build, but where to invest, ensuring smarter planning and future resilience.

There’s a real opportunity to use location data more proactively to inform legislation and policy - helping to answer not just where infrastructure should go, but how and why it should be developed. Net zero and renewable energy goals still require a huge amount of infrastructure, and making informed decisions about where that infrastructure goes is the first step. For example, renewables only deliver benefits when generation and consumption are co-located. If the nearest wind or solar farm is 300 miles away, the advantage is diminished by transmission losses and transportation costs. So, it’s not just about what powers a data centre, but where it’s located in relation to that power.

Geospatial data can identify sites within a viable radius of renewable generation, or areas suitable for on-site solar panels or battery storage - creating a cleaner, more efficient operational model. It can also support the identification of properties eligible for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable incentives, helping accelerate the transition to low-carbon living.

I’d also like to see more investment in upskilling - particularly in areas where new infrastructure is being developed. Data centres, for example, still require transport links and a local workforce. Supporting skills development in those regions will be essential.

Ultimately, it’s about enabling better decisions through better location data for lasting impact and ensuring that infrastructure planning in 2026 is smarter, more sustainable, and based on trusted, evidence-based data.