Two Holyrood committees are to investigate the environmental and economic impact of more than 20 planned Scottish data centres

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

Scottish MSPs are launching joint investigations into hyperscale data centre developments after more than 20 such projects were proposed across Scotland. The Climate Action Committee will examine environmental impacts from construction through to waste disposal, while the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee will probe energy and economic implications.

The joint inquiry follows public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad's pledge to publish new planning guidance on data centres before Christmas.

Climate Action Committee convener Stuart McMillan said MSPs want to hear expert evidence on air and water quality, biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions.

Committees say they will examine the overall national impact of data centres rather than rule on individual proposals one by one.