Two Scottish Parliament committees are preparing to examine the details behind planned hyperscale data centres, launching joint investigations into the issue amid growing concern from communities and environmental campaigners.
Joint investigation into environmental and economic impacts
The Climate Action Committee and the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee will work together to gather evidence on the impacts of potential hyperscale data centre construction and operation in Scotland.
The Climate Action Committee is seeking evidence on environmental impacts, covering construction, operation, and the long-term management and disposal of waste, hardware, and other materials. Meanwhile, the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee aims to understand the potential economic and energy implications of such developments.
More than 20 developments planned
With more than 20 hyperscale data centre developments planned across different parts of the country, the committees hope to consider the overall impact rather than focus on individual proposals.
The investigations follow a pledge by Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad that new guidance for planning bodies to use when considering data centre applications will be drawn up before Christmas.
Committee conveners call for expert evidence
Launching the call for evidence, Climate Action Committee convener Stuart McMillan said: "We want to understand the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres and will share our findings ahead of the Scottish Government’s upcoming guidance.
"We would like to hear expert views about impacts on air and water quality, nature and biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions.
"We also want to understand what can be done to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts."
Mr McMillan added: "We’re particularly keen to ensure that Scotland learns lessons from other countries where hyperscale data centres are already in operation."
Duncan Massey, convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, said: "Data centres have been grabbing the headlines but now it’s time to dig into the details.
"We want to ensure we understand whether there are economic positives for Scotland and what they are.
"Will they drive new jobs and create long term employment? What about our energy systems, are they able to support hyperscale data centres?
"To aid our scrutiny of Scottish Government decision making, we want to hear from experts working in these areas in order to build a clear picture of all the positives and negatives associated with bringing large scale data centres to Scotland."
