Community council set to meet Eneus Energy over Hunterston data centre plan

Eneus Energy, a company previously focused on green hydrogen and ammonia, is now developing two major data center and AI projects: one at Hunterston in Scotland and another in Texas, USA. The proposed Hunterston development is the primary subject of a recent meeting of the Fairlie Community Council, where members highlighted concerns about potential flooding risks and the project's proximity to nationally scarce ecological areas like Southannan Sands SSSI and Portencross Woods. Community councillors also questioned the number of local jobs the facility would provide, with estimates around 20 permanent posts, and discussed funding arrangements involving the Carlisle Group and Singaporean investors.

Local campaigner groups have warned of serious and long-lasting environmental impacts from the Hunterston project, including biodiversity and landscape changes. In response, Eneus Energy and Hunterston Estate maintain that the campus would be powered by renewable energy, represent a significant private investment in Ayrshire, and undergo a rigorous planning process. North Ayrshire Council has agreed to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping opinion, a preliminary step that outlines the necessary environmental studies before a formal planning application can be submitted. Separately, the article notes that the Texas project is also facing resistance from local residents.