Questions are being raised over the rapid growth of hyperscale data centre proposals in Scotland, with the Scottish Greens calling for a temporary halt on the largest developments.

The party has written to First Minister John Swinney urging the Scottish Government to introduce a moratorium on data centre applications above 50MW while national planning guidance is updated.

The intervention comes amid increasing debate over the impact major data centres could have on energy supplies, water resources and climate ambitions.

According to the Scottish Greens, there are currently 24 proposed hyperscale data centres across Scotland.

They argue that if every project is approved, combined electricity demand could reach one and a half times Scotland’s peak energy consumption.

Patrick Harvie has asked ministers to commit to three measures, including a temporary pause on developments above 50MW, a clearer definition of what constitutes a green data centre, and mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments for all proposals exceeding that threshold.

The Scottish Greens say councils are being asked to make significant planning decisions without adequate national guidance.

Patrick Harvie said:

“Across Scotland, communities are becoming increasingly concerned about the threat that hyperscale data centres pose to their local areas and environment.

“We’re facing a land grab, and an energy grab, that will profit the tech giants at everyone else’s expense.

“Communities around the world have experienced energy price rises as a direct result of these kinds of developments, and we don’t want the same thing to happen here.

“The impact of these centres would be massive, but the lack of clear guidance means that our councils are being forced to make hugely important decisions in the dark.

“Thousands of people have already joined our call for a pause on all of these hyperscale applications until the Scottish Government gives our councils the tools they need to make informed decisions.

“We don’t have time to waste.

“These applications are coming in thick and fast, and we need to make sure that none of these developments are decided before the right safeguards are even in place.

“It’s time for the First Minister to show leadership by pausing these applications and bringing together MSPs and councillors from across the political spectrum so that we can develop a clear national approach that puts an end to this corporate free-for-all.”

The party says support for stronger controls is growing, pointing to backing from campaigners, local authorities and the SNP National Council.

The debate is likely to intensify as artificial intelligence expands and demand for computing power continues to grow, raising wider questions over how Scotland balances digital infrastructure with energy security and climate commitments.