Scottish Parliament rejects datacentre development moratorium

The Scottish Parliament has rejected a motion proposed by the Green Party to implement a moratorium on the construction of new datacentre facilities. Instead, lawmakers approved an amendment requiring that all new datacentres undergo robust environmental impact assessments, specifically considering the amenity of neighboring communities.

Further amendments passed include a requirement for the government to develop national planning guidance by the end of the year, with full publication expected within 12 months. No decisions on new developments are to be made until this guidance is finalized. Public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad argued against a moratorium, stating it would send the wrong message to potential investors in Scotland.