Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding any incentives or obligations under review within his Department that would support data centres in the use of renewable energy systems to minimise their reliance on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49041/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation at the heart of Government policy to deliver ambitious goals in relation to climate, economic growth and digitalisation.

This is why the Programme for Government contains key commitments such as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture for district heating to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Government has also prioritised an increased and unprecedented investment in our grid and expanding our energy generation, with a particular priority on renewable energy sources which will be advantageous for all customers.

Additionally, the Government Statement on data centres outlines principles and guidance for sustainable data centre development and encouraging the data centre sector to implement decarbonised energy solutions, demonstrate additionality of their renewable energy use and to increase efficiency.

In line with our Programme for Government commitments, Government is also establishing a comprehensive plan to accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes which will guide the sustainable development of data centres, and other strategically significant very energy intensive industries, over the medium-term.

The proposed CRU Large Energy Users Connection Policy considered the impact of future LEU connections on the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure. This is an update to existing policy that requires on-site dispatchable generation, demand flexibility and greater visibility on renewable energy use. This is complex and CRU are in the process of analysing the extensive feedback received as part the consultation. The Government, as part of its own assessment, is liaising with all relevant stakeholders and a final decision is expected later this year.