Artificial Intelligence Data Centres (Environmental Impact)

The Scottish Government has assessed the experience of countries with similar climates and demographics that host data centres, and that has helped to shape the Scottish Government’s approach to ensure that data centre developments in Scotland are sustainable, protect our national resources and deliver tangible benefits for communities and the wider economy. International experience has demonstrated the value of setting clear expectations before development becomes concentrated and aligning the growth of data centres with energy system planning, land use and environment considerations.

On a visit to Brussels during the October recess, I met representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme, European subnational Governments and other partners. We discussed the need to ensure that increasing digital infrastructure demand is managed sustainably, including through energy efficiency, renewable energy use and consideration of wider environmental and social impacts.

Carol Mochan mentioned the experience of Ireland. I believe that the Parliament’s Climate Action Committee is taking evidence on data centres at the moment. I know that the convener is sitting behind me, and he told me the other day that he is reaching out to Irish colleagues in order to get exactly those kind of lessons from what they are doing.

On the development of the regulations, I note that Hannah Mary Goodlad, the Minister for Public Finance, is taking that forward. I am of course feeding into that, in my role as cabinet secretary for climate action.

To go back to Carol Mochan’s first question, I am feeding back the experience of other countries that are wrestling with the issue. In Brussels, one particular presentation was given by my counterpart in the Lombardy region of Italy, in which he talked about the regulations that they have put in place. We are all sharing our experiences in the group that we are involved in—the Under2 Coalition—because we are all wrestling with the same challenges.

As I said to the chamber in my last answer to Carol Mochan, Hannah Mary Goodlad, the Minister for Public Finance, is taking forward those regulations. She has given assurances to Parliament that the guidance will be revised and ready by the end of the year. I have nothing more to add, given that it is not my initial responsibility.