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Renewable Energy Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (550)

John Curran

Ceist:

550. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated additional renewable energy generation capacity in energy terms that will be required over the next five years to provide 100% renewable energy for the expanding data centre industry; the number of megawatts of each renewable technology in installed capacity terms which would be required to provide the target and the estimated requirements for wind, solar PV and biomass, in tabular form. [7361/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Data centres are becoming a key dimension of electricity demand growth in Ireland. While data centres currently account for less than 2% of Ireland’s total electricity demand, EirGrid have modelled a range of scenarios in their 2017 ‘Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios’ report including one scenario which provides for this to increase to as much as 36% by 2030. Given the quantum of electricity required to power data centres, and the clear preference of project promoters that data centres should be powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, there are clear policy choices to be made in order to meet the demand for additional renewable electricity generation. These choices include the need to align with climate obligations, population projections and energy policy objectives.

Data centres consume very large amounts of energy and have a flat, predictable demand profile meaning that they use the same amount of electricity throughout the day and night and therefore require a range of generation technologies to meet their demand. 

Regarding renewable generation capacity, my Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. Following on from the RESS public consultation and review, a final design proposal will be brought to Government for approval in the coming months with the new scheme expected to open in 2019.  At this stage no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS.

In recognition of the economic benefits that data centres can bring to Ireland the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in conjunction with other relevant Ministers is leading a cross-government effort to develop a national policy statement on the strategic importance of data centres as part of Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, taking account of wider energy policy developments including growth in renewable electricity capacity.

While intensified data centre activity will likely play a key role in stimulating demand for increased renewable electricity generation, the impact on the Public Service Obligation levies for consumers must also be considered. It is imperative therefore that Government considers an approach to cost allocation that does not impose disproportionate additional charges on ordinary consumers.

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