AI data centres earmarked for sites in Scotland could cause 'local shortage of energy' and soaring fuel bills, government officials admit.
The facilities would consume so much electricity and water that they would risk overwhelming nearby infrastructure, potentially cutting supplies to homes and businesses.
Their fears have been disclosed in emails between senior civil servants, released under Freedom of Information laws.
In one exchange, one of Scotland's two deputy directors for domestic climate change warns: 'There is a clear risk here that locals bear the brunt of increased electricity prices – or even a shortage of energy, or unreliable power – while seeing little direct benefit from "hosting" the data centre.'
The official – whose name was redacted – also referred to them as 'water hungry'.
In an email last March, the civil servant said: 'The hard fact is that, even taking data centres completely out of the equation, Scotland is facing water shortages in multiple and growing parts of the country, due to climate change.
Singer Susan Boyle joined a protest against the AI data centre being built at Larbert
'Last year, water shortages in some parts of the country started in April – the earliest ever.'
In other documents, it's suggested ministers must make the case that AI centres are environmentally-friendly.
Campaigners battling planning applications for the giant centres said the exchanges prove that their fears are justified.
Lisa Beacham, of the Hurlford Rufus Data Centre Community Group in Ayrshire, said: 'The First Minister and other ministers say that communities must be listened to, but these documents tell a different story.'
And Sarah Matthews, of Edinburgh Against AI Data Centres, said the released emails had left her 'deeply concerned about the Scottish Government's lack of transparency and democratic accountability.'
John Swinney has refused to accede to opposition calls for a moratorium on AI data centres.
A total of 24 planning applications have been submitted though critics claim that if all were built they would use 50 per cent more energy than Scotland produces.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'We will be publishing new planning guidance on data centres before the end of the year, and the minister for public finance has already committed to keep the parliament informed.'
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