Scotland Requires Environmental Assessments for New Datacentres Over 50MW

The Scottish government has tightened its regulatory framework for large‑scale data centres, requiring any new project with a capacity above 50 MW to submit an environmental impact assessment before it can be approved. The move comes ahead of a Holyrood vote on a moratorium that would bar new hyperscale data centres from opening across the country. While the new rule imposes a stricter planning process, ministers have not yet agreed to an outright ban on such developments.

The decision follows mounting public concern over the environmental footprint of the rapid expansion of artificial‑intelligence infrastructure. By mandating assessments for high‑capacity sites, the government aims to ensure that potential ecological and community impacts are examined in the planning stage. The moratorium vote, scheduled for Wednesday, will determine whether further restrictions or a complete halt on new hyperscale facilities are adopted.