National Grid Concerns Over AI Data Centres’ Environmental Impact

Sunday, June 21, 2026

A proposed large-scale AI data centre near Auchtertool, Fife, is facing opposition due to concerns that its high energy demands and reliance on biodiesel backup generators could significantly increase air pollution and strain Scotland's National Grid. Critics warn that if all planned hyperscale AI data centres proceed, their combined electricity use may exceed Scotland’s total current consumption by 50 percent, raising serious environmental and public health issues.

Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact of proposed large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in Scotland, with critics warning about the strain on the National Grid and rising pollution levels. A particularly large development planned near the village of Auchtertool, Fife, has sparked significant local opposition due to its potential emissions and energy demands.

The site, covering an area equivalent to 100 football pitches with a power capacity of 600 megawatts, is expected to require constant energy intake, including reliance on back-up biodiesel generators. Calculations by environmental groups suggest these generators, even when undergoing routine testing, could emit nitrogen oxide gases at levels exceeding those produced by the nearby Mossmorran gas plant operated by Shell. This has raised alarms about air quality and public health risks.

Dr. Kat Jones, director of the charity Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), described the forecasted pollution as “shocking.” She emphasized multiple concerns associated with hyperscale data centres, including climate change impacts, air pollution, loss of green spaces, and potential increases in household energy costs. According to APRS, the energy consumption of a single site of this scale is akin to that of 600,000 homes and necessitates diesel back-up power to maintain continuous operation. Dr. Jones warned that emissions during power interruptions, when generators switch to emergency mode, could far exceed safe pollution thresholds.

The pressure group has called on the Scottish Government to impose an immediate moratorium on the construction of these hyperscale AI data centres. APRS estimates that if all such developments currently under review proceed, their combined electricity usage could surpass Scotland’s entire current power consumption by 50 percent.

Local authorities and communities voiced frustration over the lack of clear policy guidance on managing these applications. Green Party co-leader Ross Greer urged First Minister John Swinney to halt approvals for large data centres, citing the absence of a comprehensive strategy for councils to assess the projects.

In response, Swinney maintained that planning policy provides clear criteria for evaluating such developments. He did not indicate any plans to introduce a moratorium or additional restrictions.

Details about the number and capacity of the generators proposed for the Fife site have yet to be released publicly. Meanwhile, the debate highlights the tension between supporting technological infrastructure and addressing environmental and health concerns in Scotland’s energy landscape.