New York AI Data Centre pause sets crucial example
The Scottish Government has been urged to follow New York State by introducing an immediate moratorium on new hyperscale data centres.
New York has introduced a one-year state-wide pause on new hyperscale developments requiring 50MW or more of electricity while stronger standards are developed to protect communities, energy customers and the environment.
The move follows over a month of pressure from the Scottish Greens, including calls from co-leaders at First Minister’s Questions on 18 June and 25 June.
Since then over 15,000 people have supported the Scottish Greens’ petition, while the SNP’s own National Council followed the Scottish Greens’ lead on calling for a pause on new AI data centres.
The First Minister committed to examining the issue as a matter of priority, but stopped short of agreeing to the pause, and has not given an update since recess began.
Scottish Greens Economy spokesperson, Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“New York has done the right thing, recognising that an unprecedented rush for energy, land and water cannot be allowed to run ahead of democratic oversight, environmental protection and the interests of our local communities.
“It has introduced the same 50MW threshold that the Scottish Greens put directly to John Swinney at FMQs almost a month ago.
“Since then, support across Scotland is growing and even the SNP’s own National Council has followed the Scottish Greens’ lead and backed a moratorium.
“But the Scottish Government has yet to act, at a time when applications are continuing to move through the planning system.
“Scotland urgently needs a coherent AI strategy that answers fundamental questions like who this technology is for, who owns the value it creates, what scale should be allowed and who is expected to bear its environmental and infrastructure costs.”
Patrick added:
“The Scottish Greens have led this issue at every stage, and we welcome the fact that others have now followed our lead.
“There are currently 24 proposed hyperscale data centres across Scotland. If all were approved, their combined electricity demand could reach one and a half times Scotland’s current peak usage.
“This industry is at odds with our ambition to create good, well-paid jobs that strengthen Scottish businesses, improve public services and keep wealth circulating in local economies, while protecting our environment in the long-term.
“New York has shown that governments can take on Big Tech and demand better - the Scottish Greens have been building the political case for Scotland to do the same.”