TWO Holyrood committees are working together to gather evidence on the impacts of potential hyperscale data centre construction and operation in Scotland.
The climate action committee is calling for data and evidence on the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres – from construction and operation, to the long-term management and disposal of waste, hardware and materials.
Elsewhere, the economy, tourism, and energy committee wants to understand the potential economic and energy implications of hyperscale data centre development in Scotland.
A hyperscale data centre is a large facility that can be used for internet-based applications, data processing, and artificial intelligence. There are no hyperscale data centres in Scotland, although more than 20 are proposed in different locations across the country.
Rather than focusing on specific proposals, the committees’ call for evidence wants to gather a complete picture of the impact of data centres. The committees plan to share their findings with the Scottish Government’s minister for public finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, who has said that guidance on hyperscale data centres will be published by Christmas.
In addition to its consultation, the climate action committee will hold evidence sessions in October and November. The committee has also agreed to consider whether to carry out further work in this area at a later date. The call for views will be open from October 7 to November 15.
Stuart McMillan MSP, convener of the climate action committee, said, “We want to understand the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres and will share our findings ahead of the Scottish Government’s upcoming guidance.
“We would like to hear expert views about impacts on air and water quality, nature and biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions. We also want to understand what can be done to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
“We’re particularly keen to ensure that Scotland learns lessons from other countries where hyperscale data centres are already in operation.”
Convener of the Economy, tourism and energy committee, Duncan Massey MSP, added, “Data centres have been grabbing the headlines but now it’s time to dig into the details. We want to ensure we understand whether there are economic positives for Scotland and what they are. Will they drive new jobs and create long term employment? What about our energy systems, are they able to support hyperscale data centres?
“To aid our scrutiny of Scottish Government decision making, we want to hear from experts working in these areas in order to build a clear picture of all the positives and negatives associated with bringing large scale data centres to Scotland.”
