First steps towards a data centre at Cockenzie

We have selected a preferred supplier via a tender process and will now begin the first steps to look at siting a hyperscale data centre on the former coal store site at Cockenzie. 

There are several steps to be completed to determine the feasibility of the project, with the overall aim being a Joint Venture between the council and Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) to deliver a data centre with associated local training and job opportunities plus a long-term investment and financial benefit for the council. 

The potential centre would be located on part of the former coal store site, leaving the wider site, including the footprint of the power station, available for other future developments. 

Before any development can take place, the plans would need to be assessed fully through the normal planning application process and members of the public would have the opportunity to comment on the proposal. 

It is estimated that it will take up to a year to finalise legal agreements before getting to the statutory public consultation stage, however we are keen to engage with the community on this project as early as possible, with next steps to be confirmed in the coming months. 

SDCL was selected as preferred supplier following a competitive tender process, agreed via a private report to Council in February 2025. We had received a large number of enquiries from operators interested in siting a data centre at Cockenzie so Council agreed to embark on the tender process to identify the preferred supplier.