Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 19 March 2026 [Draft]
19 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Data Centres (Net Zero)
The Scottish Government recognises that data centres are vital to the delivery of our digital ambitions and our transition to a net zero economy. Their designation as a national development in national planning framework 4, which was approved by the Parliament, highlights their importance and the expectation that future projects will align with Scotland’s climate commitments. When new development proposals come forward, it is for the planning authority to interpret and apply NPF4 according to the circumstances of each case, considering factors such as renewable energy use, energy efficient technologies, reduced water consumption, and opportunities to reuse excess heat.
In the same item of business
8. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind)
Ind
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to formally define “green” to ensure alignment with net zero targets in its designation of data centres as a ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy (Gillian Martin)
SNP
The Scottish Government recognises that data centres are vital to the delivery of our digital ambitions and our transition to a net zero economy. Their desig...
Foysol Choudhury
Ind
What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the potential impact of hyperscale data centres on Scotland’s statutory climate targets and consumer ener...
Gillian Martin
SNP
As Mr Choudhury will know, work is already under way through the strategic spatial energy plan—the SSEP—which the four nations are involved in, as well as th...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
That concludes portfolio questions on climate action and energy, and transport.
Douglas Lumsden (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. During portfolio questions, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, said that the Scotti...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
That is not a point of order. Mr Lumsden will be aware by now that the chair is not responsible, in broad brush, for members’ contributions. He will also be ...