A proposed 600-megawatt artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Auchtertool, Fife, is generating significant local opposition. The facility, planned to span 60 hectares (150 acres), would operate continuously to support AI functions. Residents express concerns about noise, construction disruption, and the sheer scale of the development, which could force some families to relocate.
Lindsey Charnley, whose nine-year-old son Teddy requires a quiet environment due to frequent brain operations, stated her family would have to move if the project proceeds. “I can’t believe anyone would think it is appropriate to build a data centre the same size as our village on our doorstep,” she said, citing the noise and chaos from construction as critical issues for her son’s health. Relocating would also disrupt her son’s access to nearby medical staff and his additional support needs school.
Scotland has become an attractive location for data centre development due to its abundant renewable energy sources. Currently, 24 data centres are in the planning process across the country. The Scottish government launched an action plan in 2021, which has led to a surge in applications for hyperscale data centres, defined as facilities with a power capacity exceeding 100MW. The largest operational data centre in Scotland, located in Lanarkshire, has a capacity of 12MW, significantly smaller than the proposed Auchtertool facility.
The Cato data centre in Auchtertool is in the initial stages of the planning process. The Scottish government is evaluating whether an environmental impact assessment will be necessary for the project. This assessment would scrutinize the potential effects of the development on the local environment and community, including noise levels, traffic, and ecological impacts.
Developers, ILI Group, state the data centre would create 120 jobs. This job creation is presented as a benefit for an area that has recently experienced significant job losses, such as those from the closure of the Mossmorran chemical works. The company has pledged to engage with local residents individually to address their concerns, though specific details on these discussions remain limited.
The ILI Group also has plans for similar hyperscale data centres in North Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. These projects indicate a broader trend of large-scale data infrastructure expansion across Scotland, driven by the increasing demand for data storage and processing capabilities, particularly for AI applications. The cumulative impact of multiple such developments on rural communities and infrastructure is a growing concern.
The future of the Auchtertool project remains uncertain as it navigates the planning process. The requirement for an environmental impact assessment will be a key determinant in its progression. Local residents await further details on how their concerns, particularly regarding noise and disruption, will be mitigated or addressed by developers and planning authorities.
The broader implications for rural communities in Scotland, as more hyperscale data centres are proposed, will continue to be a focal point. The balance between economic development, energy infrastructure, and preserving local quality of life will be a critical consideration for future planning decisions.