Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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The Senator described data centres as having a privileged position in regard to fossil fuels. They do not and should not have such a position. Data centres, although they are necessary for the economy, must comply with climate legislation. They also have to support our security of supply, which means they should be providing backup power. The 2020 guidelines on data centres are essential in that regard in that they state that the centres must provide additional renewable energy to the grid and backup power. They will be the first to be turned off in the event of any kind of power cut or shortage.

As I understand it, consultations are taking place by either EirGrid or the CRU on new rules for data centres. I confirm that the consultation to update the rules is being done by the CRU, which its delegates might like to address. It is really important that data centres play a good citizen role in their contribution to both climate action and the stability of the grid and that they do not lead to power cuts, excess charges or a situation in which we cannot meet our thresholds. By changing the rules, we are moving to a situation whereby the grid will be made more stable and additional renewable energy will be put into it that would not otherwise have been added.