Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has called on the Scottish Government to clarify the planning and environmental rules for data centres, as applications for large-scale facilities surge across Scotland.
The Scottish Green MSP has submitted a series of Parliamentary Questions amid growing concerns over the energy demands of AI and hyperscale data centres.
A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that Scottish Enterprise is currently handling 26 live enquiries for potential developments.
Scotland’s National Planning Framework 4 identifies “green data centres” as national developments, but Burgess is asking Ministers to confirm whether that status applies to all facilities, especially those focused on AI and high-performance computing.
“We urgently need transparency around what constitutes a ‘green data centre’ and whether AI-focused facilities are covered by national development status,” said Ariane Burgess.
“These are energy-intensive infrastructures, and without clear guidance, we risk undermining our net zero ambitions.”
Her questions also ask the Government to detail the carbon footprint of existing data centres, the environmental standards for new developments, and the projected impact on Scotland’s energy grid.
Experts have warned that global electricity demand from data centres could double by 2030, raising serious questions about sustainability.
While Scotland is seen as an attractive location for digital infrastructure, thanks to its cool climate, renewable energy capacity, and available land, Burgess says policy must keep pace with the rapid expansion.
“We must ensure that Scotland’s digital infrastructure growth is matched by robust environmental standards and strategic foresight,” she added.
“This is not just about connectivity, it’s about climate, communities, and the future of our economy.”
A report by the Scottish Futures Trust earlier this year identified 12 strategic sites for future green data centre development.
The Parliamentary Questions submitted by Burgess aim to ensure that planning frameworks reflect Scotland’s climate goals as well as its digital ambitions.
