Scottish Green MSP calls for rejection of data centre at former nuclear plant

The site of a former nuclear plant could become home to a massive data centre if plans are approved.

The facility at Chapelcross was the first in the country when it opened near Annan in 1959 on what had been a World War II airfield.

Production stopped in 2004 and decommissioning began. Now plans have been submitted to build a £16.5bn data centre at the site.

With a capacity of 1GW, it would be amongst the biggest in the world with annual power consumption equivalent to that of up to two million homes. 

The application comes amidst debate over data centre strategy in Scotland, with new national guidance expected by the end of the year.

Developers claim the Dumfries and Galloway project could result in 750 jobs during the construction phase and support 500 full-time posts thereafter. If approved, it would take up to eight years to complete.

Graeme Anderson, chief executive of applicant CX Tech, called the scheme “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the region and the country.

He said: “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.

“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.”

However, there is opposition to the development, with concerns raised over the environmental impact and effects on local communities.

South Scotland MSP Laura Moodie, of the Scottish Greens, has called for the bid to be rejected. She said: “The site at Chapelcross should be the best place to put a data centre by utilising a decommissioned brownfield site.

“But the proposal which has been lodged is reckless and endangers our energy supply and natural environment.”