Residents of Auchertool, a small village in Fife, Scotland, are vehemently opposing plans to construct one of the world's largest data centers adjacent to their community. The proposed development, which is larger than 100 football pitches, has drawn over 1,600 objections from locals concerned about its environmental impact, scale, and potential disruption.
Concerns include the significant heat generated by the facility, estimated to be equivalent to 600,000 electric one-bar heaters, with projections suggesting local temperatures could rise by as much as nine degrees Celsius. Residents also fear the constant 24/7 noise, including infrared sound frequencies, that could affect both humans and animals. Flood risks in an area already prone to heavy rain are another major point of contention.
Fiona Stewart, a resident whose house overlooks the proposed site, described the plans as "horrifying" due to the sheer size of the development relative to the village, which comprises approximately 200 houses. She expressed worries about light pollution, noise, and the lack of clear mitigation plans for flood risks. Stewart is among those calling for a pause and a thorough review of the plans and regulatory framework for such developments.
Andrea Cail, chair of the community council, stated that locals became aware of the plans around March 2025. She highlighted the energy-intensive nature of data centers, requiring substantial electricity and water. Cail pointed to information from similar complexes in the United States, indicating that the land surrounding them warms up significantly. The