Written answers

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Data Centres

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the recent report carried out by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on the use of energy by data centres, and the potential threat to security of energy supplies here; the actions he proposes to take to improve the security of energy supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, the independent energy regulator, has issued a direction to EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator, and ESB Networks, the electricity distribution system operator, that requires each of the system operators to prioritise data centre connections based on location, the availability of on-site generation and flexibility in reducing demand when required. This will reduce the potential impact of data centres on security of electricity supply.

The Government's Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out the policies and actions for Ireland to deliver on its emissions and renewable targets and includes specific actions for large energy users, including data centres. This includes a review of the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to align with our renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities.

The Government is working with the relevant state agencies to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to  large developments such as data centres in future taking into account of existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.

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