More than 10,000 people object to world’s largest data centre campus
More than 10,000 people have lodged objections to a proposed hyperscale data centre development at Chapelcross via a portal created by the Scottish Greens.
If approved, the proposed development in Dumfries and Galloway, with a capacity of 1000MW, would be the largest data centre in the world.
It would use 7 million MWh of energy a year at full capacity, the same as over two million homes in Scotland. This would put massive strain on Scotland’s energy grid, and households could face rising costs as energy demand spikes.
The developer’s own environmental impact assessment states that the facility would have a 'moderate adverse and significant' impact on the environment. Emissions from the site would exceed the legal limit for greenhouse gas emissions in Dumfries and Galloway by almost double when fully operational.
Scottish Greens MSP for South Scotland Laura Moodie said:
“More than 10,000 people lodging formal objections to the proposed hyperscale data centre at Chapelcross shows the strength of feeling locally and nationally about these plans.
“It should not be allowed to go ahead when there is such strong opposition and so many concerns about the consequences it could bring to our rural communities.
“This is one of the most concerning data centre applications to date, and it would use an unsustainably high amount of energy. Approving it will only increase the risk that households will face higher energy bills.
“The community have been given just weeks to respond to the possibility of the world’s largest data centre being set up on their doorstep – but they have already made their position clear.
"As one local resident said at a recent community meeting: ‘This area deserves better. Better quality jobs, better regeneration. They are selling the area short.’
“This cannot be allowed to go ahead."
Laura added:
“The Scottish Greens forced a vote to hit the brakes on new applications and decisions on live proposals until full environmental impact assessments and a coherent national strategy had been completed.
“The Scottish Government has said that no decisions will be reached before the end of the year, and that they will have guidance in place by December. That guidance needs to be as thorough as possible.
“With thousands of people showing their opposition to this proposal, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government must listen to the voices of the local community.”