Data Centres in Scotland: FOI response (reference 0707)
Contents
Date received
12 February 2025
Date responded
12 March 2025
Information requested
- How many data centres are currently operational within Scotland?
- Where are they located?
- Which companies own these data centres?
- How many "live" enquiries is Scottish Enterprise currently dealing with regarding the establishment of new data centres in Scotland?
- What financial assistance is available for companies setting up a data centre in Scotland?
Response
1.2.3. The information you have requested in questions 1, 2 and 3 is contained within a document held by Scottish Enterprise, this being a ‘green data centres programme update’ that was produced by the Directorate for Digital: Digital Connectivity Division of the Scottish Government in June 2024.
As well as the information requested, the update also contains other relevant background information on data centres that may be of interest to you, hence we are providing a copy of the document at Appendix B.
Please note that while we have attempted to release as much information to you as possible, some of the information contained in Appendix B is not suitable for public release and has been withheld under FOISA exemptions Section 29(1)(a) - formulation or development of government policy and 38(1)(b) - third party personal data. Where exemptions have been applied, the information has been redacted.
4. We confirm that we are actively dealing with 26 live enquiries.
5. No information is held, therefore section 17 of FOISA applies.
Our usual sources of funding for investment and innovation can be applied to these opportunities. We would stress that Scottish Enterprise backs ambitious companies and stands ready to support businesses to innovate and scale to transform the Scottish economy. This also includes helping companies to strengthen their attractiveness for investment and make connections to suitable investors.
To assist you further, there are a number of reports and insights that are available online relevant to your enquiry. Links to those resources are provided below:
- ScotlandIs: Data Centres activity briefing
- Scottish Green Data Support Service enquiry
- CBRE Scotland: renewable energy: Fuelling the future of data centres
- Scottish Futures Trust: First class datacentre sites identified in new reports
- Green Datacentres Vision and Action Plan
- Shortlist for data centre site development
Contact us
For further information please contact our communications team, quoting the FOI reference number.