Data centre grid connection policy
Deputy Clendennen raised concern that cloud infrastructure firms may be choosing overseas locations while a CRU policy paper on large energy user grid connections remains unpublished. The Taoiseach said the CRU has completed consultation and is working toward a new policy balancing supply security, grid constraints and emissions concerns.
Cuirim fáilte roimh na daltaí agus múinteoirí ó Choláiste Naomh Cormac i mo Dháilcheantar Uíbh Fhailí.
There is a concerning trend of anecdotal examples of cloud infrastructure firms choosing overseas locations instead of Ireland for new investments at a time when the sector is frustratingly awaiting the publication of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, policy paper on large energy user grid connections. I fully acknowledge the Government's efforts to expedite infrastructural development but stakeholders across Offaly, the midlands, and nationally need clarity on this urgently to plan new investments. Could the Taoiseach confirm when the CRU will finalise and publish this policy? Will the Government ensure it is expedited to give certainty to employers and communities relying on these decisions at the earliest opportunity?
Comment on this
The CRU recently concluded its public consultation on the connection policy for large energy users, which is the issue raised by the Deputy. It considered the impact of future data centre connections on both national carbon emissions and the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure. It continues to work towards a decision on a new electricity connection policy for data centres. The aim of the proposed decision is to provide a pathway for large energy users' connections to the electricity system, which addresses risks to security of supply and network constraints while minimising, where possible, potential negative impacts on national renewable energy targets and carbon emissions.
The chair of the CRU, Jim Gannon, indicated in September before the Oireachtas joint committee on Climate, Environment and Energy that the CRU received a significant number of responses to the consultation. He had originally indicated an intention to take the final decision in quarter 3 or quarter 4 of this year. However, given the significant number of responses and the balance of priorities it faces, the CRU now says the anticipated publication date is subject to fully addressing the complexities. We will talk to them again.