by Joe Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\n
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City Chambers\u00a9 2025 Martin McAdam<\/p>\n
Green councillor, Alys Mumford, is asking that AI data centres built in the capital will pay developer contributions for renewable energy projects. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cconsiderable\u201d increases in energy consumption.<\/p>\n
She adds that a \u201cgrowing body of evidence\u201d suggests that the energy demand of data centres used for AI services cannot currently be met by existing renewable energy sources.<\/p>\n
It asks that officers put together a report to the council\u2019s Policy and Sustainability committee, asking for consideration of ways developments could pay for renewable energy.<\/p>\n
It says that this could come through the form of developer contributions \u2013 currently used to fund a range of city projects \u2013 or through other sources.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
No need for Environmental Impact Assessment<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, diesel back-up generators would still be needed on site in case the external power supply fails.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 however work is underway to draw one up.<\/p>\n
AI systems have been used in some capacities in the council, including in the council\u2019s social work teams.<\/p>\n
There, social workers have used a tool called Magic Notes, which helps social workers with case assessments and report writing, alongside other tasks.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, councillors have raised concerns about the pilot, with some saying they were completely unaware of it taking place.<\/p>\n
The next full Edinburgh Council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 30, and papers can be read here.<\/a><\/p>\n by Joe Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\nCity Chambers\u00a9 2025 Martin McAdam<\/p>\n