Plans for a large AI data center near Edinburgh have been turned down. The developers, Shelborn Drummond Ltd, wanted to build a 210 megawatt facility on the site of the old Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters. However, city officials raised concerns about its environmental impact and its failure to address greenhouse gas emissions.
The development committee emphasized that the plans did not align with local policies aimed at addressing climate issues. Critics argued the proposal focused too much on small, eco-friendly measures, which they felt acted more like a shield to cover the project’s overall environmental effects.
Dr. Kat Jones from Action to Protect Rural Scotland said this decision marks a significant victory for those advocating for environmental accountability. She praised the campaigners for bringing attention to the potential harm data centers can cause to both the environment and local communities.
“What defines a ‘green data center’ remains unclear,” Jones stated. This uncertainty could affect future projects, as developers often use the term superficially. The city council’s recent decision to scrap the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) left many shocked, including critics who described it as “gobsmacking.”
Recent data from the International Energy Agency highlights that data centers now consume about 1% of global electricity and their energy use potentially doubles every four years. This makes understanding their environmental footprint more crucial than ever.
Experts suggest that without a clear definition of what constitutes a “green” facility, developers could continue to misuse the term. The Scottish Government might need to implement an immediate review of policies regarding such applications. This could ensure that environmental and community impacts are properly considered moving forward.
The rejection of this project is a critical reminder that economic ambitions must be balanced with environmental responsibilities.
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data centre, Royal Bank of Scotland, planning application, environmental impact, Scottish Government, environmental impacts, Developers Shelborn Drummond Ltd, Kat Jones, Protect Rural Scotland, environmental campaigners
