THE Scottish government must “press pause” on new data centres which could double energy demand, say campaigners.

Research from Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS) found there are 17 live planning applications for hyperscale data centres across the country, with more in the pipeline; enough to increase energy demand by 4,450-4,950 megawatts.

APRS director Dr Kat Jones warned: “We are in the ludicrous situation that the data centres currently in Scotland’s planning system would more than double the country’s energy use if they were built.

“This is evidently impossible.”

APRS and the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS) have now written to public finance minister Ivan McKee to demand a moratorium on planning permission for the centres “until they publish clear guidance.”

“That guidance must prohibit data centres which adversely affect our climate commitments and damage local environments and communities,” added ERCS legal director Ben Christman.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Planning authorities have a responsibility to consider the environmental implications of all developments which require planning permission.

“All proposed developments are considered on their own merits.”