HOLYROOD is set to vote on whether there should be a moratorium on new hyperscale data centres – with the Scottish Greens insisting the move is needed to halt a “big tech free-for-all”.
On Wednesday, MSPs will debate a Scottish Greens motion which calls for a moratorium on planning applications for new hyperscale data centres, amid a surge of speculative proposals for huge facilities across the country.
The party wants a national strategy and updated planning guidance to be produced, which must then take account of the “cumulative impacts on energy demand and the environment” of such developments.
Campaigners have raised concerns about the environmental impact of such centres, along with the impact on Scotland's energy system and water supplies.
Outlander star Sam Heughan has also urged MSPs to back a moratorium, telling The National that the centres are "currently benefiting no-one but the landowners and big tech".
Scottish Greens MSP Patrick Harvie said that Wednesday’s vote at Holyrood gives MSPs “their first opportunity to put the brakes on this speculative rush to build massive new AI data centres”.
He argued that putting a moratorium on such developments in place would allow Scotland to “put the brakes on this speculative rush” so that a national strategy could be developed.
Harvie said: “Scotland is being hit by a huge surge of hyperscale AI data centre proposals, and the Scottish Government is standing by while councils are being left to deal with the consequences.
“The scale of what is being proposed is extraordinary. If the first 24 of these projects are approved they will require one and a half times Scotland’s entire peak electricity consumption. It is completely unsustainable.
“We cannot allow a big tech free-for-all. We cannot approve such huge new demands on our energy system without first asking whether these projects are in Scotland’s interests, where the power will come from, and who will ultimately benefit.”
He continued: “Today, MSPs will have a chance to send a clear message and draw a line.
“Scotland needs a proper national strategy before this speculative frenzy goes any further.
“We need a proper national strategy, and today MSPs can vote to demand one.”
Harvie added: “The Scottish Government should listen to the community groups who have been campaigning across the country.
“We need to put robust criteria in place, and make sure Scotland’s energy, land and infrastructure are working in the public interest rather than being handed over to the big tech industry on a speculative basis.”
The debate comes after public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad announced last month that environmental impact assessments would be required for two proposed data centres in Auchtertool in Fife and Wester Hermiston in Edinburgh.
Planning authorities must also notify ministers of new data centre applications which exceed 50 megawatts.
The Scottish Government has lodged an amendment to the Greens' motion which removes any mention of a moratorium.
The Scottish Government was contacted for comment.
How to watch Holyrood vote on AI data centres
MSPs will vote on whether there should be a moratorium on new hyperscale data centres will take place on Wednesday afternoon.
The debate is scheduled to start at 3pm and is set to last until 4.15pm.
You can watch the debate live on the Scottish Parliament website.
