Data centres: the case for a moratorium – MSP briefing

A Friends of the Earth Scotland briefing for politicians outlining why a moratorium on data centres is urgently needed.

Briefing Summary

There are over 20 hyperscale data centres currently being planned in Scotland. The massive scale of these projects means that they would have devastating implications for people who live nearby and require huge amounts of energy and materials. As they stand, these plans are undemocratic and unsustainable.

The rapid growth in data centres in Scotland is being driven by US tech giants. Scotland doesn’t need so many data centres and any that are built must be for the good of the people of Scotland, not US tech giant profits.

The Scottish Government failure to provide a clear policy direction means that many data centres could be rushed through the planning system without proper consideration or allowing the people who will be most affected by them to have their say.