AI data centre would be 'one of Scotland's top polluters' if plans greenlit

5 hours ago

Routine testing of diesel backup generators at a proposed 'green' AI data center in Larbert, Scotland, could emit 288 tonnes of NOx gases annually.
During a power outage, 180 generators running at full power could release a tonne of exhaust gases every six minutes, potentially exposing nearby areas to NO2 levels 44 times the healthy hourly limit.
Nearby sensitive sites include Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Glenbervie Kindergarten, both 350 meters away, raising health concerns from environmental groups and politicians.
The developer's environmental impact assessment reveals the center could rank among Scotland's top 10 emitters, surpassing major industrial plants like Shell's Mossmorran facility.
Opponents, including Action to Protect Rural Scotland and Scottish Greens, call for a moratorium on such data centers, citing gaps in planning and unknown air quality impacts.
The proposal has over a thousand objections, with public comments open until June 26, and construction could start in 2027 if approved, pending rigorous environmental assessments.

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