SCOTLAND’S First Minister has been urged to use his upcoming Programme for Government to take action against hyperscale data centres.

The Scottish Greens called on John Swinney to announce a moratorium on the industry until a national strategy is in place and councils have clear guidance on assessing applications.

Scotland is currently facing 24 proposals for major new sites, which if all approved would consume up to 6,000 megawatts of power — more than 1.5 times Scotland’s total peak power use.

Ministers introduced new rules this month requiring councils to inform them as soon as an application is received, though this does not suspend or stop applications.

Scottish Greens economy spokesman Patrick Harvie said: “All over the country people are deeply concerned about the impact that hyperscale data centres could have on their community.

“Councils are being asked to rule on these huge new developments, which could have massive demands on our electricity system, without any clear plan from the Scottish government.

“We cannot let Scotland become a dumping ground for energy-hungry data centres.”

He urged Mr Swinney to “finally put the brakes on these speculative developments and bring forward a proper national strategy.”