More than 2,000 objections to plans for ‘world’s largest’ data centre

More than 2,000 objections have been lodged in just four days to plans for a hyperscale data centre in Dumfries and Galloway.

Developer CX Tech Ltd says the project at the former Chapelcross nuclear plant near Annan will deliver around 500 full-time jobs.

But the Scottish Greens say the 1GW facility would be the biggest of its kind in the world and would have a huge environmental impact.

The party says more than 2,000 people have lodged objections using a portal it has set up.

There is growing opposition to data centres both in Scotland and internationally amid concerns over the amount of water and electricity they consume as well as their visual impact.

Last month the Scottish Government announced that new and existing applications for AI data centres will have to undergo an environmental impact assessment.

MSPs later voted down a Scottish Greens motion to introduce a moratorium on new data centres.

CX Tech Ltd hopes work will begin on the Chapelcross site next year and will take about eight years to complete.

Graeme Anderson, chief executive of CX Tech, described the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the region.

“Chapelcross has the potential to bring together our renewable energy strengths, digital infrastructure and high-value jobs in a way that few other sites can,” he said.

“We have an opportunity to seize that potential now, creating a new economic future for a site that has played an important role in Scotland's energy story for generations.”

But Green MSP Laura Moodie says greenhouse gas emissions from the site would be almost double the limit for the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

She said: “Our communities are sending a clear message about the scale of this proposal and the consequences it could have for our energy supply and natural environment, with over 2,000 people lodging objections in just four days.

“But even with those lodged objections, locals are being given just weeks to respond to an application that could change their community for decades, while the Scottish Government is still developing its strategy. They deserve clear answers and a meaningful say.

“Allowing a data centre, using as much electricity as more than 2.2 million Scottish homes, would be completely reckless, especially without clear national guidance and proper environmental standards that local residents and businesses have been calling for.”