Key facts
- MSP
- Ross Greer
- Number of proposed hyperscale data centres in Scotland
- 24
- Locations in North Ayrshire
- Hunterston and Irvine
- Councils calling for a national halt
- Edinburgh and East Ayrshire
- First Minister's response
- Committed to 'examining' the issue
Background
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has written to the leader of North Ayrshire Council, urging them to join the call for an urgent pause on hyperscale data centres in Scotland.
Scotland is currently facing a wave of applications for the sites, which many fear might overwhelm the energy grid, push up bills and worsen the climate crisis.
There are currently 24 proposed hyperscale data centres across the country, including Hunterston and Irvine in North Ayrshire.
Current situation
If given the go-ahead, Scottish Greens co-leader Mr Greer said the total energy requirements of these 24 sites would be one and a half times Scotland’s entire peak energy demand.
The West Scotland MSP warned councils were being asked to make decisions on these planning applications effectively in the dark, with no clear guidance from the Scottish Government.
In response to questions from the Scottish Greens in June, the First Minister committed to ‘examining’ the issue as a matter of priority. However, he has so far stopped short of agreeing to the pause, allowing the 24 current applications to progress through the process.
| Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Hunterston | Proposed |
| Irvine | Earmarked |
Impacts
Edinburgh and East Ayrshire councils have already called for a national halt to new developments until they have the information they need to make a decision.
As one of North Ayrshire’s Green MSPs, Mr Greer is now calling on the council to do the same.
He said: “A lot of people in North Ayrshire are really concerned about the impact that hyperscale data centres like those proposed at Hunterston and earmarked for Irvine could have on their bills, their community and our environment.”
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If North Ayrshire Council follows Edinburgh and East Ayrshire, it could add to the pressure on the Scottish Government to agree to a national pause.
Should the Scottish Government agree to a pause, the 24 current applications might be halted until new guidance is issued.
If no pause is agreed, the applications may continue to progress, potentially leading to increased energy demand and local concerns.
Source: irvinetimes.com
