SNP Backs Freeze on 24 Scotland Datacentre Projects as UK £500 Million AI Plan Wobbles
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
SNP Backs Freeze on 24 Scotland Datacentre Projects as UK £500 Million AI Plan Wobbles
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Summary
Scotland’s ruling SNP has sent the government a motion to freeze new datacentres, potentially stopping projects without planning permission, including the Lanarkshire AI growth zone.
The case for a moratorium rests on scale: 24 hyperscale projects in Scotland would consume more than 1.5 times the country’s peak electricity demand, according to the party resolution.
The push follows scrutiny of UK AI growth zones after reports that the Lanarkshire hub’s feasibility was misrepresented and other flagship projects amounted to phantom investments or publicity stunts.
Chi Onwurah, who chairs the Commons science and technology committee, said the UK’s AI strategy has been opportunistic and urged the next government to set out a sovereignty plan after a temporary US export block.
Fresh details on the UK’s £500 million Sovereign AI Fund sharpened that concern: 4 of the 9 backed companies are ultimately controlled by American firms.
Could Scotland's datacentre ban inadvertently surrender the UK’s entire AI future to international rivals?
With US firms controlling its AI fund, is Britain's 'sovereign AI' ambition just a fantasy?
Datacentre Expansion in Scotland: Moratorium Debate Highlights Energy, Environmental, and Economic Risks
Overview
Scotland is facing a major decision as the SNP National Council calls for a moratorium on new datacentre projects, responding to a surge in hyperscale applications and growing concerns about their impact on energy, the environment, and communities. The proposed freeze is designed to pause development, allowing time to assess and address these risks before moving forward. This move has gained immediate support from the Scottish Greens, with MSP Patrick Harvie urging the government to act quickly and noting a shift in official attitudes. Together, these actions highlight Scotland’s urgent need to balance digital growth with sustainability and community interests.