The growth and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rarely out of the news, with a debate over its merits and consequences. More recently, there has been an increase in proposals for huge data centres in Scotland to house the computing power and storage needs of this technology. In this briefing, we examine the case and impact of data centres.
It is unclear how many applications there are currently, but estimates range from 26 to 33. The footprint can be huge. For example, the proposed Cato data centre in Fife covers an area the equivalent of almost 40 football pitches. There are concerns about energy and water use as well as the physical concerns. The Scottish Government’s guidance supports the development of ‘green’ data centres that maximise the use of renewable energy sources, employ energy-efficient technologies, minimise water consumption, and support the reuse of excess heat.
Many are unconvinced that this will address their concerns, and organisers recently rallied outside the Scottish Parliament. We also look at the experience in the USA, with moratoriums increasing in several states.
For some people, this is a story about AI’s impact on jobs and society. However, others focus on the massive structures being built to house the vast computing facilities AI requires. It remains to be seen whether you can separate the two issues, or whether the Scottish Government can convince the public that green data centres will alleviate their concerns.