As the global demand for data centres grows exponentially, Scotland is emerging as a key player in hosting the next wave of these energy-hungry facilities. With an increasing reliance on data for everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to public service reform, Scotland’s renewable energy strengths are set to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand while ensuring sustainability.
Data Centres and AI: A Growing Need
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent announcement that data centres would be considered critical national infrastructure has sparked a flurry of activity in the tech sector. These facilities, which house rows of servers storing and processing vast amounts of data, have been described as the “engines of modern life” by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. The rapid rise of AI technology is further accelerating the demand for more data processing capacity, and Scotland is increasingly seen as a prime location to host this infrastructure.
Peter Kyle’s statement has given data centres the same critical status as essential services like energy and water, guaranteeing additional government support in the event of significant disruptions, such as cyber-attacks. With AI driving new demand, Scotland’s renewable energy resources and geographical advantages make it a compelling destination for tech giants looking to expand their data facilities.
A Green Revolution in Data Centres
Scotland has long been considered a potential hub for data centres, but it is the boom in remote working and AI applications post-pandemic that has fast-tracked the construction of these power-intensive sites. Industry experts, including Robert McQueen from Soben, report that major players in the data sector are now seriously exploring locations across Scotland. These developments align with a 2021 report by the Scottish Futures Trust, which identified 12 prime sites for data centre construction, spanning the length and breadth of the country.
The move to establish data centres in Scotland is not just about capitalizing on the country’s clean energy; it also presents an opportunity to revolutionize the way data infrastructure operates. The combination of Scotland’s high renewable energy output and its strategic locations gives the country a unique advantage in positioning itself at the forefront of this industry’s green revolution.
Renewable Energy: A Double-Edged Sword?
Despite Scotland’s robust renewable energy capabilities, the growing electricity demand from global data centres presents a challenge. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), worldwide electricity consumption from data centres will double by 2030, amounting to 945TWh annually—six times Scotland’s total consumption. With data centres expected to consume vast amounts of power, the question remains: can Scotland’s renewable energy output keep pace with the rapid expansion of data infrastructure?
The IEA’s report further highlighted that the demand for electricity from data centres could increase six-fold within the next decade, underscoring the need for significant investment in energy infrastructure. This trend mirrors the situation in Ireland, where the rapid growth of data centres has strained renewable energy capacity. Research from Friends of the Earth (FOE) showed that Ireland’s data centre electricity demand has grown by 20% annually since 2015, with new data centre expansions threatening to outstrip the country’s renewable energy generation unless decisive action is taken.
Scotland must avoid falling into similar traps, where data centre growth consumes renewable energy that could otherwise be directed toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Efficiency Advances and the Role of AI in Sustainability
However, there is hope on the horizon. Advancements in energy efficiency, cooling technologies, and AI applications could help alleviate the pressure on Scotland’s energy grid. AI, which drives much of the demand for data centres, also holds the potential to reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of these operations. AI-powered climate modeling and data analytics are already helping companies make smarter decisions about energy usage, leading to more efficient data centre management.
Luisa Cardini, Head of the Data Centres Programme at TechUK, pointed out that while the need for energy may rise slightly due to increased data workloads, the sector is working hard to ensure that energy consumption doesn’t increase at the same pace. Additionally, advancements in green technologies such as liquid cooling and AI-driven energy optimization may offset some of the demand for electricity.
Scotland’s Role in the Green Data Centre Revolution
Scotland’s renewable energy dominance and commitment to sustainability position it as a vital partner in the green data centre revolution. The country’s renewable electricity production reached 113% of its total consumption in 2022, and as the demand for data processing continues to soar, Scotland’s ability to power data centres with green energy will be key to meeting global targets for reducing emissions.
In the coming year, Scotland is poised to see significant investments from major global tech companies, including Amazon Web Services, Cloud HQ, and CoreWeave, who have pledged a combined £25bn in the next five years toward new data centre facilities in the UK. With the country’s renewable energy infrastructure and strategic location, it is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable data processing.
