East Lothian Council has selected Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) as its preferred supplier and is now commencing the first steps to assess the feasibility of siting a hyperscale data centre on part of the former coal store at Cockenzie.

The council's overall aim is to form a Joint Venture with SDCL to deliver the data centre, which is projected to bring associated local training, job opportunities, and a long-term investment and financial benefit for the council.

The potential centre would occupy only a portion of the site, leaving the remaining area, including the footprint of the former power station, available for future developments.

-- Advertisement --

SDCL was selected following a competitive tender process agreed upon in a private report to the Council in February 2025.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Economic Development, said the process, while at an initial stage, "marks an important step forward in the potential redevelopment of part of this key site."

He noted the significant potential benefits: "In addition to capital investment, construction, and permanent employment, there are potential opportunities to secure long-term community benefits such as support for education and training programmes."

Jonathan Maxwell, Founder and CEO of SDCL, expressed his delight: "Cockenzie has an extraordinary history in Scotland's energy and industrial heritage and this stands as a phenomenal opportunity for it to take a leading role in the new industrial revolution."

The council estimates it will take up to a year to finalise the necessary legal agreements before the project reaches the statutory public consultation stage. Following this, the plans would need to be fully assessed through the normal planning application process before any development can take place. The council intends to engage with the community as early as possible.