By Karim Hammam
Documents released under freedom of information laws reveal a Scottish Government official has warned of "clearly significant impacts and risks" from plans to site multiple hyperscale data centres in Scotland. The deputy director for domestic climate change cited concerns about potential effects on energy bills and water usage, noting that local communities could bear the brunt of higher electricity prices or energy shortages while seeing little direct benefit.
Energy and water concerns
The redacted official wrote in March that depending on location, there is a clear risk locals face increased electricity prices, energy shortages, or unreliable power. The documents stress the need for a clear system to protect residents from such impacts as part of any hosting deal. The official also warned that "water hungry" data centres could badly affect other water-dependent industries and livelihoods, pointing out that Scotland already faces growing water shortages due to climate change, with some areas experiencing the earliest shortages on record last April.
Community groups react
Campaigners from groups including the Hurlford Rufus Data Centre Community Group in Ayrshire, the Auchtertool Action Group in Fife, and Edinburgh Against AI Data Centres criticised the Scottish Government's approach. Lisa Beacham said the documents show the government views communities as a risk to be managed rather than assets with expertise. Penny Sinclair described communities as an "inconvenient risk to be mitigated," while Sarah Matthews highlighted a "clear imbalance" in engagement between developers and local residents.
Government charter and transparency
The FOI release also includes correspondence on a proposed green data centre charter aimed at setting principles for electricity use, water, energy efficiency, and heat. One document warned that without clear evidence of green benefits, public perception would remain poor, leading to planning objections, delays, and reputational damage. The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
