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Data Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Ceisteanna (194)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

194. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will commit to looking at the role data centres play in rising energy demand in Ireland in view of recent commitments to curb energy demand in response to energy security concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland is a popular location for data centres which securely store and manage the data that supports the digital and communications infrastructure for many sectors of our economy. Data centres also create employment and attract foreign direct investment. However, the expansion of data centres, particularly in the Dublin region, is projected to lead to a large increase in electricity demand which raises challenges for the energy system.Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has committed to reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to ensure alignment with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. This statement is due for publication later this year and is part of a suite of actions included in CAP 21 to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector.My Department is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and relevant state agencies to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres, taking into account congestion, existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.In addition, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act provides, inter alia, for a maximum amount of emissions to be permitted in different sectors of the economy during a carbon budget period, referred to as ‘sectoral emissions ceilings’. All sectors of the economy will have sectoral emissions ceilings and emissions from data centres will be accounted for within the relevant sectoral emissions ceiling.

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