Scotland's Energy Advantage: Why We Should Be Europe's AI Data Centre Capital
This is a position I find difficult to understand. Scotland is one of the most energy-rich countries in Europe—oil and natural gas in the seas around us, hydro power, wind farms stretching across the Highlands, nuclear capability. We've got it all. Yet here we are, doing absolutely fuck all with it whilst other countries build the infrastructure that will power the next decade of technology.
Politics and climate debates aside—I only want to focus on what would be possible if we actually utilised what we have.
The Opportunity We're Ignoring
In my opinion, Scotland would be an optimal place for AI tech giants to invest in massive data centres. Think about it: go far up north where there's plenty of land, cool air, water, and energy. In my mind, I see it as another type of Greenland or Iceland—but better, because we've got more diverse energy sources and better connectivity to major European markets.
Harness the power of wind, oil, gas, and hydro (unfortunately not sun, because we rarely see the bastard). Set up massive data centres that could run cool and cheap. The climate up north means minimal cooling costs—data centres generate enormous heat, and we've got natural cooling built in. The energy infrastructure is already there or could be scaled up. The land is available and relatively inexpensive.
This would bring investment, jobs, and money to parts of Scotland that are desperate for all three. The north has been neglected for decades. This could be transformative for those communities.
So Why Haven't We Done This?
I'm not sure why our government hasn't thought of this or actioned it. Well... actually, I harbour a few guesses:
1. They're just incompetent with tech and it's not even on their radar. Most MSPs couldn't explain what a data centre does if their political careers depended on it. They don't understand the industry, so they don't prioritise it. They're too busy with the same tired debates whilst the world moves on without us.
2. They hate the idea because it goes against their climate agenda. Even though data centres are inevitable—they're going to be built somewhere—and Scotland could power them with renewables better than most places. But actually doing something that involves energy consumption? That involves industry? That's too politically uncomfortable for a party obsessed with appearing green whilst achieving nothing substantial.
3. They lack the vision and courage to think big. This would require long-term planning, significant investment coordination, and the willingness to tell NIMBYs to pipe down. Our government struggles with all of the above.
What This Could Mean
If Scotland positioned itself as the place for AI infrastructure in Europe, we'd see:
- Massive investment from tech giants—Google, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, Anthropic, you name it - Thousands of jobs, both in construction and ongoing operations - A complete revitalisation of rural economies in the north - Scotland becoming genuinely relevant in the global tech conversation - A use case for our energy resources that's actually forward-looking instead of just extractive
We have exactly two options:
1. Recognise what we've got and build on it. Create tax incentives for data centre investment. Streamline planning permissions. Invest in the grid infrastructure to support it. Market Scotland aggressively to tech companies as the obvious European choice for AI infrastructure.
2. Keep ignoring reality whilst other countries—Ireland, Iceland, Norway—take the investment that should be ours. Then wonder in ten years why Scotland's economy is still struggling and our young people are still leaving.
I don't speak from a position of authority here, but I trust that most Scots can see the opportunity we're wasting. We've got natural advantages that other countries would kill for. We've got energy, space, cooling, and connectivity. We've got everything except politicians with the vision to make it happen.
Whatever opportunities we don't seize, someone else will. The data centres will get built. The investment will flow. The jobs will be created. Just not here, apparently, because our government can't think beyond the next press release.