![\"Ravenscraig](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ravenscraig-data-centre.png\")
Scottish ministers are facing calls from a key SNP policy making body to impose a temporary halt on large scale data centre developments amid warnings from business that such a move will harm the economy.<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s National Council has responded to growing protests against proposed projects across the country as communities express concern about the impact of data centres on energy resources and the environment.<\/p>\n
Following a vote by the council, it will now join the\u00a0Scottish Greens\u00a0in calling for a\u00a0Scottish Government-led moratorium.<\/p>\n
An SNP spokesperson said: \u201cAI data centres are evolving at pace, and the SNP fully recognises the concerns about the environmental impact and the impact on energy resources of hyperscale data centres.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Scottish Government is currently reviewing what action can be taken to help balance the rapid expansion of such centres with our national energy and climate goals \u2013 including a potential pause on applications.\u201d<\/p>\n
Business leaders have warned that a freeze on data centre developments risk holding back growth and putting Scotland at a competitive disadvantage.<\/p>\n
Sandy Begbie, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, has called data centres \u201ccritical national infrastructure\u201d, and warned earlier this year that a moratorium would deter investors.<\/p>\n
Local authorities in Edinburgh\u00a0and\u00a0East Ayrshire have already called for the Scottish Government to implement a moratorium and to set out more clearly what defines a green data centre.<\/p>\n
The Scottish Greens welcomed the SNP council\u2019s call. MSP Patrick Harvie said: \u201cThe Scottish Government\u2019s tone is beginning to shift. I hope that these reports will encourage them to go further and faster in putting a stop to the speculative applications that we are seeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important step by the SNP\u2019s National Council, and I hope the Scottish Government now acts on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cScotland is facing a wave of hyperscale data centre applications that could have profound consequences for our energy system, our environment and our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are currently 24 proposed hyperscale data centres across Scotland. If all are approved, they could consume up to one and a half times Scotland\u2019s peak electricity demand, putting huge pressure on the grid, renewable energy supplies, water resources and climate targets.<\/p>\n
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