Plans for a state-of-the-art AI datacenter in Edinburgh were halted as city councillors voted against the proposal, notwithstanding a green light from city planners. The facility was set to rise on the former Royal Bank of Scotland site at South Gyle, envisioned as an AI hub powered by renewable energy. City planners endorsed the development, citing its anticipated benefits and eco-friendly innovations. However, exhaustive deliberations swayed councillors to align with environmental campaigners warning of potential emissions and planning discrepancies.

Shelborn Asset Management, the project’s backer, aimed to deliver up to 213 MW of IT capacity, promoting the datacenter as eco-efficient due to advanced cooling technologies and surrounding green spaces. Yet, vocal opposition highlighted lingering concerns over diesel backup generators and sustainability. Action to Protect Rural Scotland celebrated the decision, underlining the broader debate around defining ‘green’ datacenters.

Amidst national efforts to prioritize digital infrastructure, the rejection underscores a delicate balance between expanding AI capabilities and adhering to local planning and environmental priorities. The incident at South Gyle joins other contested datacenter proposals across the UK, reflecting the complex dynamics of technological progress and ecological responsibility.