If you’re accessing the internet on a computer right now, chances are you are relying on a data centre for your information.
Yet hardly any of us fully understand how data centres operate, what goes on in data centres, how they access their power in order to run, and where they can be located.
Below are five common misconceptions, or myths. Yet when examined through the lens of the plans for a CX Technology Campus, many of them fail to grasp the realities of creating modern data centre infrastructure and their benefits.
Myth 1: Data centres are just glorified big sheds
AI data centres are high-performance facilities designed to support advanced computing power, data storage and processing capability needed to train and operate artificial intelligence systems.
These centres use high-performance computing equipment alongside enhanced cooling and energy systems, plus the latest hi-tech infrastructure, to manage intensive digital workloads.
In financial services alone, around 75% of firms now use AI technologies for fraud detection, risk analysis and customer service. Across the wider economy, AI businesses contributed £11.8 billion to the UK economy in 2024 — a figure that continues to grow as adoption accelerates.
The proposed CX Technology Campus will deliver a series of hyperscale, AI-enabled data centres designed to support advanced computing workloads.
With its existing grid connection, large-scale development potential and access to low-cost renewable energy from local wind and solar resources, CX Technology Campus will be uniquely positioned to become a nationally significant hub for AI and advanced computing.
Myth 2: Data centres are killing the environment
Perhaps the most common criticism is that data centres are environmentally damaging by default. But the industry has changed dramatically in recent years.
Modern campuses are increasingly designed around renewable energy and energy efficiency. Indeed, energy resilience underpins the CX Technology Campus project. It will integrate directly with local and regional green energy systems and benefit from its existing grid capacity. This will allow the development to operate as a zero-carbon campus in operation.
Far from being part of the climate problem, modern data centres underpin renewable energy forecasting, smart grids, remote working technologies, logistics optimisation and climate modelling – all essential tools in reducing emissions across wider sectors of the economy.
Myth 2: Data centres overload the electricity grid
Another common concern is that a single large facility could destabilise local electricity supplies or create pressure on household energy use.
In reality, developments of this scale cannot proceed without extensive modelling, regulatory scrutiny and approval from energy network operators. If grid capacity is insufficient, projects are either refused or developers are required to fund upgrades.
Chapelcross already has one of the key advantages many sites lack: an established grid connection and access to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.
As a former nuclear power station site, it was originally designed to support significant energy generation and transmission. This existing infrastructure makes it particularly suitable for large-scale digital development without requiring entirely new grid corridors elsewhere.
Importantly, electricity pricing is not determined locally. Data centres do not increase household electricity bills simply by being nearby. In many cases, major infrastructure investment can strengthen long-term resilience and encourage additional renewable energy generation.
Myth 3: Data centres consume huge amounts of water
Water use is often raised as a concern during planning discussions, particularly regarding cooling systems.
Historically, some facilities relied heavily on evaporative cooling, but technology has evolved rapidly. Many modern facilities, particularly in cooler northern climates such as Scotland, now use highly efficient air cooling or closed-loop systems that consume minimal water.
CX Technology Campus, it is being built on the site of the former Chapelcross nuclear energy facility, which historically operated with significant, managed water use.
The level of demand associated with the proposed campus is less than the site has safely and routinely supported in the past, as it will only require potable water and will not rely on an open or uncontrolled draw on local resources. It is also considering sustainability measures including rainwater reuse and surface water management as part of the wider environmental strategy.
A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), planned for submission alongside planning applications in September, will examine water resources, ecology and environmental impacts in detail. The result will be that the campus will operate with a clearly defined water model.
All water use will be agreed with and regulated by Scottish Water and SEPA, ensuring it meets strict environmental standards.
Myth 4: Data centres destroy the landscape and greenbelt
Large-scale infrastructure always raises questions about landscape impact. However, the context of CX Technology Campus is important.
The proposal is located at Chapelcross on Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) land which is already identified by South of Scotland Enterprise and Dumfries and Galloway Council as an area for economic redevelopment within the local development plan.
This is not untouched countryside or protected greenbelt, but an established industrial and energy site with decades of infrastructure history.
In terms of the planning process, planning policy in Scotland remains strict, and any approval process requires extensive scrutiny around visual impact, biodiversity, transport and design.
The CX Technology Campus plans will be closely examined to see whether the scale, layout, landscaping and phasing are acceptable, and the design will be refined through that evidence-led process.
Myth 5: Data centres bring few local benefits
Critics argue that data centres create limited employment once operational. While it is true that they are not labour-intensive in the same way as manufacturing facilities, this overlooks their wider economic role.
The scale of the Chapelcross proposal means significant employment opportunities during both construction and long-term operation. The construction phase in particular creating immediate opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and the wider supply chain. This level of activity brings real investment into the local economy.
Once operational, the campus will provide high-quality, long-term roles in operations, maintenance, engineering and site management. At the heart of the long-term employment offer is a dedicated training centre, designed to equip local people with the technical, electrical, mechanical and digital skills needed to access roles on site.
The result will be meaningful, sustained economic and employment value for the local area.