Could Scotland throw away its chance to be a world leader in data centres?
Lack of whole-hearted government support and vaguely-worded environmental legislation are threatening Scotland’s potential to be an international leader in one of the fastest-growing global businesses. In southwest Scotland two of the world’s largest data centres could provide jobs, educational opportunities and manufacturing growth if they are allowed to flourish. But a director of one of the planned data centres is warning that it might not go ahead unless it gets full government backing. There are also suggestions that the unpredictable financial penalties in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme which comes into force in April will drive organisations abroad. Initial planning permission is expected within weeks for the Internet Villages International (IVI) data centre at Annandale which should be up to the size of 40 football pitches when completed. The project is also intended to generate skilled jobs and educational opportunities. “But if we don’t get the support from the
