In 2025, Apatura submitted plans for a transformative 300-megawatt (MW) data center campus in Scotland, set to become one of the UK’s most significant digital infrastructure projects. This development is strategically designed to meet the surging demand for AI, hyperscale cloud, and high-performance computing workloads, while aligning with the UK’s sustainability and digital growth targets.
Strategic Vision for Scotland’s Digital Growth
The proposed campus will be located in a prime Scottish site selected for its abundant renewable energy resources, robust grid connectivity, and access to high-capacity fiber networks. This strategic positioning ensures minimal latency and maximum resilience, supporting AI research, enterprise cloud adoption, and next-generation digital services across the UK and Europe.
Key Features of the Campus:
• High-Density AI Capabilities: Infrastructure designed for high-compute workloads, supporting advanced cooling systems to handle AI and machine learning applications.
• Sustainable Energy Integration: Direct connection to renewable power sources, in line with net-zero commitments.
• Connectivity Advantage: Proximity to major UK and European fiber corridors to deliver ultra-low latency.
Sustainability at the Core
Environmental responsibility is central to the campus’ design. Apatura plans to incorporate:
• 100% Renewable Power Supply: Leveraging Scotland’s vast wind and hydro energy resources.
• Advanced Cooling Solutions: Energy-efficient liquid cooling and AI-driven climate control to optimize PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).
• Eco-Friendly Construction: Sustainable building materials and modular designs to minimize environmental impact and enable future expansion.
Economic and Technological Impact
The 300MW facility is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs during its build phase and create long-term skilled positions for operations, engineering, and data management. It will also attract investment from AI, fintech, and digital service companies, further cementing Scotland’s role as a hub for advanced digital infrastructure.
Security and Compliance
The campus will be built with multi-layered security measures, integrating both physical safeguards and robust cybersecurity protocols. It will adhere to UK and EU regulations, including GDPR and ISO 27001 standards, ensuring compliance, data sovereignty, and operational resilience.
Sultan Qureshi’s Role in Driving Innovation
Sultan Qureshi, Managing Director at NS Group, has played a key role in shaping this project. His expertise in AI-optimised design, sustainable infrastructure, and scalable layouts has ensured the facility meets global standards and supports the future demands of AI-driven industries.
Looking Ahead
If approved and completed, Apatura’s Scotland campus will:
• Empower AI and HPC Innovation: Providing the backbone for next-generation AI research and enterprise adoption.
• Boost Economic Growth: Driving local job creation and attracting global tech investment.
• Advance the UK’s Green Tech Goals: Combining digital growth with sustainable energy use.
Apatura’s 300MW Scotland data center campus represents a major step forward in building the UK’s future-ready, sustainable, and high-performance digital infrastructure — one designed to serve the evolving needs of AI, cloud, and data-driven industries.
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