Greens urge First Minister to pause ‘reckless’ plans for world’s biggest data centre
More than 2,000 people have lodged objections to a proposed hyperscale data centre next to Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway in just four days. If approved, the facility would be bigger than any other data centre in the world. The objections have been lodged via a portal created by the Scottish Greens and demonstrate the scale of concern about the controversial development.
Scottish Green MSP Laura Moodie has written to the First Minister urging him to pause the application until national guidance and a coherent strategy are in place. The letter warns that emissions from the development would be almost double the greenhouse gas emissions limit for Dumfries and Galloway.
Scottish Greens MSP for South Scotland, Laura Moodie said: “Our communities are sending a clear message about the scale of this proposal and the consequences it could have for our energy supply and natural environment, with over 2,000 people lodging objections in just four days.
“But even with those lodged objections, locals are being given just weeks to respond to an application that could change their community for decades, while the Scottish Government is still developing its strategy. They deserve clear answers and a meaningful say.
“Allowing a data centre, using as much electricity as more than 2.2 million Scottish homes, would be completely reckless, especially without clear national guidance and proper environmental standards that local residents and businesses have been calling for.
“The site at Chapelcross should be the best place to put a data centre by utilising a decommissioned brownfield site. But along with the energy consumption, the actual proposed location and size of this proposal is really worrying. If this goes ahead, not only would it be taller than the Falkirk Wheel, covering an area the size of 77 football pitches, but it would be built on 60% greenfield land, rather than utilising the existing brownfield land which is available for development.
“That’s why in September, the Scottish Greens forced a vote to pause decisions on live proposals until full environmental impact assessments and a coherent national strategy is in place.
“The First Minister must now confirm urgently what contact his government has had with Dumfries and Galloway Council on this issue, and finally take the action needed to pause this application until a coherent national strategy is in place.”