Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021
70. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there has been a review of the use of data centres particularly with regard to the protection of electricity supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47053/21]
View answerFirstly, responsibility for water supply lies with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In respect of electricity supplies, 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 meeting increasing demand from high volume energy users such as data centres. This may include potential geographic restrictions or incentives to locate 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 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.
