Concerns over the impact of a mega data centre proposed for a site near Glasgow have led to calls for a moratorium on applications.
A site at Westerhill, in Bishopbriggs, just outside Glasgow, is proposed for a 200MW data centre.
The effect hyperscale data centres could have on the domestic electricity grid has led to a Green MSP calling for a pause on planning bids until national guidance can be provided from the Scottish Government.
Ross Greer, West of Scotland MSP and Scottish Greens co-leader, has asked East Dunbartonshire Council leader, Gordan Low, to support his call.
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Greer said: “A lot of people in East Dunbartonshire are really concerned about the impact that hyperscale data centres like the one proposed at Westerhill could have on their bills, their community and our environment.
“Edinburgh and East Ayrshire Councils have rightly called for a pause and new guidance. They have listened to the Scottish Greens and to local residents. I am urging East Dunbartonshire Council to join our call.
“It is time to pause hyperscale data centre applications until councils have clear guidance and Scotland has a coherent national strategy. We can’t open up our country to a corporate free-for-all.”
The Greens said there is a wave of speculative applications for these mega data centres, which they argue “could overwhelm the energy grid, push up bills and worsen the climate crisis”.
The party states that in London a “sudden rush” of hyperscale data centres has forced multiple councils to pause the building of new houses despite the housing crisis.
The reason, they say, is because the centres require so much power that there is no longer the local grid capacity to provide electricity to more homes.
There are currently 24 proposed hyperscale data centres across the country, including one in Bishopbriggs at Westerhill. If given the go-ahead, the Greens said the total energy requirements would be one and a half times Scotland’s entire peak energy demand.
The Scottish Government is considering providing guidance.
At the last First Minister’s Questions in June, John Swinney said: “I am giving active consideration to whether the Scottish Government should provide planning guidance to balance the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centres with national energy and climate goals, which are vital to our future prosperity.”
East Dunbartonshire Council has been approached for comment.
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