According to a new analysis by planning and development consultancy Lichfields, Scotland has been identified as a key growth market for data centre development, driven by its renewable energy capacity, available land, and skilled workforce
The UK’s data centre sector currently contributes around £4.7bn annually and could deliver a further £44bn in value by 2035 through construction and operation. With 113% of its electricity consumption generated from renewables in 2022, Scotland is well-positioned to capture a significant share of future market growth.
Several development zones have already been identified
Previous research undertaken by Scottish Futures Trust, Crown Estate Scotland and Scottish Enterprise identified several potential development zones – including Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and parts of the Highlands – offering the right mix of renewable capacity, land availability and technical expertise.
Despite this, most large-scale schemes remain concentrated in southern England, largely due to differences in planning support and grid infrastructure.
Dan Evans, associate director at Lichfields, said: “For developers, Scotland offers something few regions or countries can match – abundant low-carbon energy, space for expansion and a strong engineering base. The combination of renewable generation, cool climate, and established technical skills creates ideal conditions for sustainable data centre operations.
“Across the UK, we’re seeing growing demand from investors and operators looking for sites that balance performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. Scotland’s renewable strength and land availability tick those boxes, but delivery confidence remains key.
“Developers need clarity on where projects will be supported and how long approvals will take. A consistent national position, backed by local planning frameworks, would make a real difference in turning interest into investment.”
Report recommendations
Lichfields’ report recommends several practical measures to help unlock development, including:
- Allocating land for data centre use in new Local Development Plans
- Using Masterplan Consent Areas to simplify complex consent processes
- Encouraging early coordination between planning authorities, developers and energy providers
UK’s largest AI-ready data centres in Scotland
A flagship example of Scotland’s growing potential is the £3.9bn regeneration of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire, which includes one of the UK’s largest AI-ready data centres. The project is expected to support around 2,000 long-term jobs, deliver a £1.2bn construction boost, and contribute 0.4% to Scotland’s GDP each year once operational.
Evans added: “Scotland has an opportunity to position itself as a genuine alternative to traditional UK data centre clusters. By combining its renewable capacity with a more agile planning approach, it can attract long-term global investment, create skilled employment and strengthen its reputation for sustainable growth.
“Developers are ready to commit where policy, infrastructure and delivery are properly coordinated. With the right signals from government and local authorities, Scotland could move from potential to performance very quickly.”
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