EAST Lothian Council has appointed Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) to begin the initial steps to the creation of a hyperscale data centre on the former coal store site at Cockenzie.
The potential centre would be located on part of the former coal store site, leaving the wider site – including the footprint of the power station – available for other future developments.
Before any development can take place, the plans would need to be assessed fully through the normal planning application process and members of the public would have the opportunity to comment on the proposal.
The local authority estimates that it will take up to a year to finalise legal agreements before getting to the statutory public consultation stage.
SDCL was selected as preferred supplier following a competitive tender process, agreed via a private report to council in February 2025. The local authority said it received a large number of enquiries from operators interested in siting a data centre at Cockenzie so it agreed to embark on the tender process to identify the preferred supplier.
East Lothian Council spokesperson for economic development, councillor John McMillan, said, “While this process is still at an initial stage, it marks an important step forward in the potential redevelopment of part of this key site.
“In addition to capital investment, construction, and permanent employment, there are potential opportunities to secure long-term community benefits such as support for education and training programmes in partnership with local providers. We will be working closely with SDCL and other partners to ensure any development maximises benefits to our communities.”
Jonathan Maxwell, founder and CEO of SDCL, added, “We are delighted to have been selected as partner for this landmark project. Cockenzie has an extraordinary history in Scotland’s energy and industrial heritage and this stands as a phenomenal opportunity for it to take a leading role in the new industrial revolution. We are looking forward to working closely with the community in East Lothian to help the project achieve its full potential and create employment and economic growth for the region.”
