East Lothian Council has selected a preferred supplier and will now begin the first steps to look at siting a hyperscale data centre on the former coal store site at Cockenzie.
We will be working closely with SDCL and other partners to ensure any development maximises benefits to our communities
There are several steps to be completed to determine the feasibility of the project, with the overall aim being a Joint Venture between East Lothian 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.
East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Economic Development, Councillor John McMillan, said: “While this process is still at an initial stage, it marks an important step forward in the potential redevelopment of part of this key site. 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 in partnership with local providers. We will be working closely with SDCL and other partners to ensure any development maximises benefits to our communities.”
Jonathan Maxwell, Founder and CEO of SDCL, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as partner for this landmark project. 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. We are looking forward to working closely with the community in East Lothian to help the project achieve its full potential and create employment and economic growth for the region."