Thursday June 25th 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Following an announcement in October 2025 that the council had selected a preferred supplier for a data centre on the former coal store site at Cockenzie, an update was given to council this week.
Work is progressing on an agreement for 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 the former coal store site, leaving the wider site, including the footprint of the power station, available for other future developments.
As part of the ongoing discussions with SDCL, there will be a framework agreed to secure the community benefits that will be delivered as part of the development of a data centre. The council will lease the 70 acres site to the Joint Venture to enable the delivery of the data centre with no further capital contribution. The amount of future capital or revenue return to the council is yet to be finalised.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“This was a useful update to Council this week as it shows the progress being made for part of the site and how it links with economic development potential on the rest of the Cockenzie site and importantly what engagement work is already happening with the local community councils and other stakeholders. Of particular interest to the local community will be the potential employment, training and community benefit that a data centre can bring. It’s important to note that this work is still at an early stage though, and any development will be subject to the normal planning process and no application has been made at this stage.”
SDCL was selected as preferred supplier following a competitive tender process, agreed via a private report to Council in February 2025. In parallel with the ongoing legal negotiations, SDCL has commissioned a number of external advisors to commence pre site due diligence including site characteristics, availability of power, geological and hydrological surveys.
Further reports will be presented to Council around the Heads of Terms and structure of the Joint Venture. Officers will continue to explore the wider opportunities for the wider Cockenzie site.
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