BIDEFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Protesters gather at the Torridge Council meeting at Caddsdown Business Support Centre to protest about the proposed 850-acre AI data centre and Battery Energy Storage System, on September 21, 2026 in Bideford, England. The protest, hosted by the Devon Data Centre and BESS action group, is against the proposed 850-acre AI data centre and Battery Energy Storage System at the Alverdiscott substation in Great Torrington and Bideford in North Devon proposed by Xlinks. Proponents of the site claim it could create 650-1200 permanent jobs and add £3.6bn to the regional economy. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***