From shipbuilding and engineering to renewable energy and life sciences, Scotland’s greatest successes have come when innovation has worked with the nation’s natural assets rather than against them.
So why does the debate around artificial intelligence and AI data centres seem different?
The public fear this critical infrastructure could place unacceptable pressure on our environment. In particular, the large volumes of water they perceive will be required to cool AI computing systems, placing local water supplies under strain.
The reality is more sophisticated. One of the biggest misconceptions in the current debate is that every proposed data centre is essentially the same.
They are not. That is why Chapelcross offers such a compelling opportunity.
CX Technology Campus is the transformation of a strategic brownfield site that already benefits from established grid connections. Rather than starting from scratch, the project aims to repurpose this energy infrastructure to create a new home for AI, digital infrastructure and clean energy.
This is exactly the kind of location where next-generation digital infrastructure belongs.
Just as importantly, net zero has to be designed in, not retrofitted later. Energy, water, carbon, biodiversity and long-term resilience all need to be considered together from the earliest stages of planning.
But what about water? Surely the huge computing power needed to support AI still means equally huge volumes of water are required to keep data centres cool?
The evidence tells a different story. The AI revolution will undoubtedly require significant computing power. But in terms of water use, it can be argued that much of the discussion is driven by perception rather than evidence.
In a recent blog Colin Lindsay, Developer Services Manager, Scottish Water Horizons, says that current data centres in Scotland use only a tiny fraction of the country’s public water supply, representing around 0.006 per cent of the water delivered to homes and businesses each day.
Most existing facilities operate using closed-loop cooling systems, where water is continually recycled and only small amounts are needed to replace evaporation losses, meaning consumption is far lower than is often assumed.
Colin acknowledges that climate change and increasing pressure on water resources mean future developments must be carefully planned. But he stresses that early engagement with developers is essential to ensure new data centres are located where infrastructure can support them sustainably without affecting household supplies or the environment.
He also highlights the importance of using alternative water sources, such as treated wastewater, for cooling wherever possible.
Rather than opposing data centre development, instead a planned, evidence-based approach that balances economic growth with environmental protection is suggested.
Modern hyperscale data centres increasingly use advanced cooling technologies and closed-loop cooling systems that continually recycle water rather than consuming large volumes on an ongoing basis.
Even more importantly, future developments should explore alternatives to potable water wherever practical, including the use of treated wastewater for cooling, ensuring precious drinking water remains exactly where it belongs, serving homes, businesses and communities.
Economic growth and environmental responsibility should reinforce each other. The transition to AI will reshape economies just as profoundly as previous industrial revolutions. But countries that provide sustainable, resilient infrastructure will attract investment, innovation and highly skilled employment.
For Dumfries and Galloway, the opportunity extends beyond data centres. CX Technology Campus will include a training and education hub, creating pathways into digital infrastructure, energy and engineering careers.
It is intended to support apprenticeships, STEM education, local supply chains and long-term regional economic resilience alongside the deployment of AI infrastructure.
That matters because net zero is not only an environmental challenge. It is also an economic one. The choice facing Scotland is not between environmental protection and digital investment.
Projects that combine renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, responsible water management, brownfield regeneration and community benefit should be encouraged.