Scotland is set to see the development of at least 23 new large-scale AI-powered data centres, with some proposals ranking among the biggest globally. These facilities, which power AI applications and online services, are attracting significant investment but also raising concerns among campaigners.
The planned data centres include a 600MW facility at Auchtertool in Fife, which would span 60 hectares, and a 1,000MW centre proposed for Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway. Supporters highlight the potential for billions in investment and thousands of jobs, while opponents are concerned about their size, energy consumption, water usage, and noise.
The Scottish Greens and various campaign groups have called for a moratorium on large data centres, citing worries about their impact on climate targets and renewable energy supplies. However, the Scottish government has so far rejected these calls, though it announced in August that ministers must be notified of proposed centres exceeding 50MW capacity. Environmental impact assessments will also be required.
The UK government has designated Lanarkshire as an AI growth zone, promising £8bn of investment and 3,400 jobs, with data centres central to this initiative. While Scotland's strong renewable energy sector is a key attraction for developers, experts caution that data centres may not run entirely on green energy, potentially requiring fossil fuel power stations during periods of low renewable output.