Scottish Greens push Holyrood vote to halt AI data-centre boom

The Scottish Greens intend to occupy parliamentary time in Holyrood to demand a vote on a moratorium for AI-driven data-centre developments. Patrick Harvie argued that one outlet requirement for ministers to be informed of applications does not constitute a strategy and fails to curb the surge of proposals that could strain the national grid. Analysis shows that the energy needed for existing applications is already one and a half times the United Kingdom’s peak demand, with further capacity equivalent to the output of Torness nuclear station pending.

While the SNP’s national council has voiced support for a pause, the government has not formalised any policy, prompting criticism from the Greens and rural advocacy groups. Several SNP MSPs have voiced sympathy for the pause, though some remain undecided on how to vote. The Greens hope the motion will lead to a coordinated national plan before further projects reshape Scotland’s energy system.