Green councillor, Alys Mumford, is asking that AI data centres built in the capital will pay developer contributions for renewable energy projects.
She asks for the new planning condition put in place on environmental grounds alongside any grant of permission in the same way as developers contribute to other infrastructure.
It has been revealed that a new data centre which is planned for the capital could use more power than half a million homes or Edinburgh Airport.
Cllr Mumford also says that a new AI factory antenna at the University of Edinburgh, aiming to accelerate AI uptake by UK organisations, and others like it could also cause “considerable” increases in energy consumption.
She adds that a “growing body of evidence” suggests that the energy demand of data centres used for AI services cannot currently be met by existing renewable energy sources.
It asks that officers put together a report to the council’s Policy and Sustainability committee, asking for consideration of ways developments could pay for renewable energy.
It says that this could come through the form of developer contributions – currently used to fund a range of city projects – or through other sources.
It also asks that the report spell out what legislation and governance requirements currently exist around data centres, focusing on the impact they have on the environment and climate.
No need for Environmental Impact Assessment
Reports on the new data centre planned in Edinburgh, set to be located in South Gyle, has said that an environmental impact assessment was not required for the development.
Site developer Shelborn Drummond reportedly said the eventual owner of the site could reduce its carbon footprint by signing a contract for 100% renewable power from a supplier.
However, diesel back-up generators would still be needed on site in case the external power supply fails.
Planning documents show that the energy consumption at the data centre would be 213MW, equal to the power requirements of as many homes as there are in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
If built, the planned data centre would be located on the site of The former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters, which was demolished in 2022.
Cllr Mumford said that the council has previously agreed that environmental considerations must play a part in any position it takes on AI. At present, the council does not have a public formal AI strategy – however work is underway to draw one up.
AI systems have been used in some capacities in the council, including in the council’s social work teams.
There, social workers have used a tool called Magic Notes, which helps social workers with case assessments and report writing, alongside other tasks.
Council leader Cllr Jane Meagher said earlier this month that the trial had been successful, and that AI was being used in some other parts of the council.
And a presentation by a council officer last week said that social workers had been able to save significant time using the software, while improving the quality of their work.
However, councillors have raised concerns about the pilot, with some saying they were completely unaware of it taking place.
by Joe Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter
City Chambers© 2025 Martin McAdam
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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