In the ongoing discussion about so-called hyper-scale data centres in Scotland, one question seems to be whether adding hyper-scale data centres in Central Scotland will reduce wind generation curtailment in the Scotland as a whole
Considering …
• Grid network boundary B4 constraint (typically 4GW)
• Grid network boundary B6 constraint (typically 6.7GW)
• 10.06TWh of wind generation was curtailed in Scotland in 2025 link of which 8.8TWh was in the north of Scotland
• Proposed data centres (combined capacity 7.2GW) are located between B4 and B6
• NESO data suggests that utilisation at B4 is typically around 45%.
I’d be interested to hear perspectives re
- Why is it better to locate these data centres south of B4; is it simply that there’s other generation available to feed these from the south (notwithstanding B6 constraint) during dunkelflaute, or maybe the availability of ex-power station system connections?
- What is the actual amount of curtailed generation north of B4 that could be utilised by central belt data centres and could this run them 24*7 without local backup generation?
I reckon that although generation was curtailed in the north, it doesn’t follow that that this was solely from a B4 constraint, but possibly a cascade of constrains between supply and demand further south.
There’s also the consideration of term; within a decade there will be 12GW of subsea links from the north that bypass B4, leading to the question of what happens in the future (assuming that these links don't get cancelled on grounds of costs).
I can appreciate that in the short term, there's an opportunity for reducing constraint costs by adding demand in Scotland.
I'm 100% unconvinced that data centres is the best way to do this - reducing consumers' bills to increase demand would be simple, quick and socially useful also avoiding the current self-rationing imposed by high prices (which will inevitably get worse)