Scotland freezes hyperscale data-centre approvals

The Scottish Parliament has paused decisions on hyperscale schemes and made environmental assessment mandatory above 50MW. The motion passed 80 to 26 with 15 abstentions; 14 committed schemes total 2.4GW, while the first 24 active applications would draw 4.5–6GW — about 1.5 times Scotland's peak electricity demand.

• Hyperscale approvals stay suspended until national guidance is published
• The 50MW threshold is measured by total electrical power, not floor area
• First 24 applications would draw 4.5–6GW, 1.5x Scotland's peak demand
• Assessment covers energy, emissions, water, biodiversity, noise and air quality