Slate Island Developments Plans 99MW BESS and Data Center at Former IBM Site in Scotland

Slate Island Developments aims to establish a 99MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and data center at a former IBM factory site in Spango Valley, Greenock, Scotland. The development includes plans for two buildings of 34,500 sqm and 40,000 sqm. The company seeks planning permission by year-end. Despite previous mixed-use development plans being stalled, there is significant interest from a data center operator. The Scottish government promotes the region for data center development amid local opposition to new projects.

Published Mar 26, 2026

Slate Island Developments is proposing a 99MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and data center at the former IBM factory site in Spango Valley, Greenock, Scotland. The site plans include a 34,500 sqm building and a 40,000 sqm building, with planning permission targeted for the end of the year.

AI-curated by Theia

IBM's facility, operational since 1954, was fully vacated by 2016 and cleared by 2020. Previous mixed-use development plans were unsuccessful in securing viable users. The Scottish government is promoting data center development, though there is growing local opposition due to environmental concerns and energy consumption.