Increased electricity demand from data centres means we are running to stand still in trying to meet our climate action targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said:
“Analysis published today by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows that all the extra renewable electricity produced in the State last year was outpaced by the growth in data centres.
“Total demand for electricity grew by 4.4 per cent last year, with additional data centres accounting for 80 per cent of that increase. The figures also show that data centres now account for one-fifth of all electricity use in this country.
“While it is welcome to see increased output from solar and wind energy, the increased pressure on electricity supply from data centres means we are taking one step forward and one step back as we strive to meet our legally binding climate action targets.
“Not only will this put Ireland at heightened risk of extreme weather events, it also potentially leaves us open to billions in fines from the EU if we do not reduce our carbon emissions.
“The figures published today make it incumbent on the Government to put a pause on further data centres until a strategic analysis of their impact on electricity demand and energy security is carried out.”
September 3, 2024