Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S7W-01845 · Session 7

Whether it, the Energy Consents Unit or the National Planning Hub holds data on the cumulative electricity and water demand of all data cen…

Answered Asked by Murdo Fraser Con Lodged 20 Jul 2026

The question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it, the Energy Consents Unit or the National Planning Hub holds data on the cumulative electricity and water demand of all data centre proposals currently in the planning system, and if not, what its position is on commissioning such data before further determinations in relation to these proposals are made.

The answer

Answered by Hannah Mary Goodlad on 18 Aug 2026 · 29 days after it was lodged, 1 day after it was due

The Scottish Government is aware of proposed data centre developments and is communicating with developers to understand the effect across the country. We are regularly engaged with Scottish Water and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to understand the potential effect on existing infrastructure.This matter is under active consideration by the Scottish Government, and Parliament will be kept informed of the outcomes of those considerations – including the potential for planning guidance – in due course.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01845 by reference.