Scotland mandates environmental assessments for large data centres

The Scottish Government has introduced new requirements for large-scale data centres, mandating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for all new facilities with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW). This move aims to balance economic interests and AI infrastructure growth with national energy, climate, and community concerns.

During a debate at Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament rejected a motion from the Scottish Greens that called for a formal moratorium on hyperscale data centre applications. Instead, Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad committed to publishing new national planning guidance for local councils by the end of the year. While the government declined a formal pause, officials stated it is ‘highly unlikely’ that decisions on current applications will be made before the new guidance is finalized.

The decision follows a surge in applications for massive data centres, including a project in Fife described as potentially the second largest in the world. Environmental campaigners and community groups have raised significant concerns regarding the impact of these facilities on local water usage, carbon emissions, and the capacity of the national electricity grid.