Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
24. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated total energy use in 2021 for all operational data centres in Ireland; the estimated amount by which it is expected to increase by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44231/21]
View answerIn 2020 Data Centres were approximately 11% of the total electricity used in Ireland.
EirGrid, in their Generation Capacity Statement 2020-2029, project that demand from data centres and other large energy users could account for 27% of all demand by 2029. Estimated data centre demand for 2021 will be set out in this year's Generation Capacity Statement. Earlier this year EirGrid carried out a public consultation on 'Shaping our Electricity Future'. The aim is to make the electricity grid stronger and more flexible so that it can carry significantly more renewable generation as well as meet increasing demand from high volume energy users such as data centres. This may include potential geographic restrictions or incentives of large demand customers closer to the generation of power, potentially giving a more regional balance of locations. Publication of the outcome of the consultation is expected later this year. In addition, in June 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a proposed Direction to the electricity system operators related to Data Centre grid connection, for consultation. This included a number of options for managing data centre connection demand. A final decision will be issued by the Regulator in due course.
