Cato Data Centre Project
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
22nd April & 6th May 2025 | 3pm - 7pm
Auchtertool Village Hall, Main St, Auchtertool, Kirkcaldy KY2 5XW
A new website for Cato
This website was set up for the pre-application consultation stage and will stay online as a record of that work.
The planning application for Cato Data Centre has been submitted to Fife Council (reference 26/01243/PPP)
The Cato project now has its own dedicated project website
Visit the new site at https://cato.ili-energy.
The planning application documents are also available in full on Fife Council’s planning portal.
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Comments made to ILI Group are not formal representations to Fife Council if we submit a planning application there will be an opportunity to make formal representations on the application to the Fife Council.
What is the project?
- A new, state-of-the-art AI-focused data centre near Auchtertool, Fife, called the CATO Data Centre.
- The centre will provide the huge computing power needed to support artificial intelligence (AI) systems, now being used across healthcare, science, business, and everyday life.
- It will be built to the highest standards of efficiency, security, and sustainability with an aim to run on 100% renewable energy.
- The facility will represent the next generation of digital infrastructure—clean, modern, and future-ready.
What is a Data Centre?
- A data centre is a secure building that houses computer servers used to store, process, and manage digital information.
- These servers run everything from websites and cloud storage to artificial intelligence, streaming services, and business systems.
- Data centres are essential to modern life, supporting everything from online shopping and mobile apps to NHS systems and government services.
- They operate 24/7, ensuring the internet and digital tools work reliably, quickly, and securely.
- Hyper data centres, like the one planned at Camilla are designed to meet the huge computing demands of AI and the cloud.
- This facility aims to entirely powered by off-site renewable energy sources, making it part of the shift toward a greener, digital future.
Why is it needed?
- The rise of AI is creating a massive demand for secure and powerful computing across the UK and globally.
- There are currently not enough data centres in Scotland or the UK to support this growth.
- This project offers a chance to redevelop the Mossmorran area, helping shift it from fossil fuel use toward cutting-edge sustainable technology.
- It supports long-term digital growth, job creation, and a cleaner, smarter economy.
Why in this location?
- Just outside the village of Auchtertool in Fife, next to the existing Mossmorran gas plant.
- This site is allocated in Fife Council’s local Development Plan for an extension of the Mossmorran plant, but we believe it would be better suited for use as a Data Centre.
- The site was chosen for its strong electricity grid connection.
- The development will be sensitively designed to minimise local disruption and will include landscaping to help it sit comfortably within environment.
- It forms part of a wider vision to transform the Mossmorran area into a hub for low-carbon innovation and technology
What are the benefits?
- A major investment that brings hundreds of jobs during construction and skilled tech jobs when operating.
- Supports Scotland’s digital and net zero ambitions by building essential AI infrastructure using (off site) clean energy sources.
- Brings new opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, and young people through training and future career pathways.
- Strengthens the UK’s position in the fast-growing AI and digital economy.
Who are ILI Group?
- Scottish Clean Energy Development Company
- Based in Hamilton, Lanarkshire
- Started in 2017
- Bringing Hyper Data Centres to Scotland
Location Plan
Data Centre Indicative Layout
Landscape and Ecology
Topography
