Eneus Energy proposes £10bn Hunterston data centre amid local protests

Eneus Energy is developing plans for a £10 billion data centre in Ayrshire, Scotland, aimed at supporting the growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services. During a recent B2B event organized by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in Kilmarnock, the developer reported significant interest from local supply chain companies. The project is expected to sustain an average workforce of 800 during construction, peaking at 1,400, and could provide 300 to 400 permanent on-site roles once operational.

However, the proposal faces opposition from the Reject Hunterston Data Centre campaign. Protesters held a demonstration outside the Kilmarnock event, arguing that building the facility on a greenfield site near the 800-year-old Hunterston Castle would cause “horrendous” damage to the area's heritage, landscape, and biodiversity. The campaign group highlighted the importance of the site's Neolithic archaeological remains and its impact on the local tourism and craft industry in West Kilbride.